HomeAnswersInternal MedicineherpesWhat should be the levels of IgG and IgM to indicate herpes infection?

My herpes test shows equal level of IgG and IgM. Does this indicate herpes infection?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At September 25, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 17, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 28-year-old female. I tested for herpes a few months ago and got a negative IgG result and an equivocal result for IgM levels. I tested again this month and it was positive. Does this mean I have been recently infected with herpes?

Answered by Dr. Sugreev Singh

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Can you please send me the reports so I can check the values. Actually, it suggests that your body is fighting with a virus if IgM is increased, but you are saying it is equal. Kindly send reports.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Yes, it was equivocal the last time I got tested, but I got tested again this month and here are the results.

Answered by Dr. Sugreev Singh

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for attaching the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Actually, it suggests that you currently have a virus, and your body is fighting against it. Because it is not that high, so maybe that is why your body is showing no symptoms.

When a healthy immune system deals with the virus, then only it shows such results. Because you were recently positive, so even though you do not have any symptoms. Still, your body is dealing with it after a few weeks, it will come negative. It takes time for our body to develop antibodies against the virus so you are in that phase only. Your antibodies are not completely developed. So better to wait and hopefully, the next report will be negative. But be careful if you have contact with your partner then there are chances that your partner may get it. So avoid sexual contact for some time.

Do you have any symptoms right now? Are you taking any medicine?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I do not understand. This is the second time I get tested. Are you saying I do not have herpes? And I currently have symptoms. I got the test result only yesterday, so I am not on medication yet.

Answered by Dr. Sugreev Singh

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Actually, you have but the level is not so high that is why I said your body is dealing with it and with treatment next time your reports may be negative. What was the level last time? What symptoms do you have right now?

If you have then you should start the medicine again. Because may be you are infected or you were not completely cured from the previous herpes. Actually IgG shows that you recently had infection, where IgM shows you currently have infection and your body is dealing with it. Some patients feel no symptoms at all but some feel symptoms. It depends on person to person. I think after taking treatment you had no symptoms. And you were worried why you still have IgM equal or positive.

But as you mentioned you have symptoms and your results also shows slight increase in value. So it indicates you still have an infection. My suggestion is you should start taking treatment again and do the test after one month.

I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sugreev Singh
Dr. Sugreev Singh

Internal Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

herpes igmherpesherpes igg

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Internal Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy