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Dear doc what disease make hsv 2 igm false positive ? thank you?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A test showing IgM antibodies to HSV II, is very specific for viral presence, with minimal chance of a "false positive". HSV II and HSV I is very communicable, and while antiviral treatments (acyclovir and Valtrex) are available, recurrent activation of the virus is not prevented, only active viral lesions (ulcers) when such appear.

Answered 8/12/2022

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Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

The IgM antibody test for HSV2 is very unreliable, high risk of false positive results. If IgG test is negative more than 12 weeks after your last possible exposure, you can be sure you don't have HSV2. If under 12 weeks or uncertain about timing, have (another?) IgG test. There is no "cause" of false pos IgM: it's inherent in the technology of the test. It has no health implications.

Answered 8/14/2022

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