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I had no symptoms, then why did my blood test show antibodies for HSV-1 and 2?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Before seven years, I had chickenpox. Last year, I did a herpes test and I had antibodies for HSV1 and HSV2 with a range of 0.6 and 2.2. I did another test after two months. I got a range of 0.6 and 2.3. I do not have any other symptoms. Do I need to be concerned?
Answered by Dr. Thakre Mahendra Shivram

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Thakre Mahendra Shivram is a dedicated General Physician with expertise in providing comprehensive medical care for patients across all age groups. His skills include diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses, conducting preventive health check-ups, and managing lifestyle-related conditions. He is proficient in prescribing evidence-based treatments, offering patient counseling, and coordinating with specialists when needed to ensure holistic care. With strong clinical judgment and a patient-focused approach, Dr. Shivram emphasizes early detection, effective management, and long-term health maintenance.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern regarding the presence of HSV (herpes simplex virus) antibodies. Infections with herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 are common viral infections affecting people throughout the world. HSV-1 is acquired during childhood and it occurs associated with congenital diseases causing oro-labial manifestations while HSV-2 is related to the urogenital disease. There are two possible antibodies that your body can make against HSV-1 and HSV-2.

They are IgM (immunoglobulin M) and IgG (immunoglobulin G) after having the infection. IgM is the first antibody made and it represents a current or acute infection. IgG is made after the production of the IgM antibody and it presents in your bloodstream for the rest of your life. Getting a negative result is considered normal. This means that you have never contracted an HSV infection. Your body takes several weeks to develop IgG antibodies to HSV. It takes up to two to three weeks.

A positive result for HSV1 and HSV2 indicates that you have contracted the virus at some other point. In your case, you have got a herpes infection in the form of shingles and so you got a positive result. When a serum antibody test is recommended for HSV, IgG detection is preferred. This remains positive in your remaining life. This indicates your immunity against the virus. CDC (Center for disease control and prevention) recommends herpes testing only for people showing symptoms of herpes. As you do not have an infection, then you do not require repeat testing.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At April 13, 2020
Reviewed At March 25, 2021

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Thakre Mahendra Shivram is a dedicated General Physician with expertise in providing comprehensive medical care for patients across all age groups. His skills include diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses, conducting preventive health check-ups, and managing lifestyle-related conditions. He is proficient in prescribing evidence-based treatments, offering patient counseling, and coordinating with specialists when needed to ensure holistic care. With strong clinical judgment and a patient-focused approach, Dr. Shivram emphasizes early detection, effective management, and long-term health maintenance.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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HSV Antibodies Companion

How it works

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are common. Understanding your antibody test results can help clarify your status. Here's what you need to know.

1

Understanding
HSV

2

Antibody
Types

3

IgG
Interpretation

4

Negative
Result

5

Antibodies
Without

6

CDC
Recommendations

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
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Dr. Thakre Mahendra Shivram

General Medicine

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Thakre Mahendra Shivram is a dedicated General Physician with expertise in providing comprehensive medical care for patients across all age groups. His skills include diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses, conducting preventive health check-ups, and managing lifestyle-related conditions. He is proficient in prescribing evidence-based treatments, offering patient counseling, and coordinating with specialists when needed to ensure holistic care. With strong clinical judgment and a patient-focused approach, Dr. Shivram emphasizes early detection, effective management, and long-term health maintenance.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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