herpes simplex virus 2 (hsv2) igm refers to current infection or outbreak. so this would be postive if you recently have had or currently have a herpetic outbreak. whereas hsv2 igg refers to a previous infection which means that you have been infected with the herpes virus and are therefore able to transmit the virus to someone else. once you have the virus like all viruses you will have it forever. essentially a positive igg and negative igm means you have the virus but not a current or recent outbreak. if you have frequent outbreaks or if your partner tests negative for herpes it is very important that you start suppresive antiviral therapy to prevent outbreaks and to decrease the risk of transmitting the virus. realize that even if you are on suppresive medication you can still pass the virus on to your partner so using a condom is also very important.
how can hsv 2 igg be positive but (igm)ifa be negative. i just received my herpes test results back and it says:. hsv 1 igg type specific 5. 00 h. and the bottom of the page it says: hsv 1/2 ab (igm) ifa w/rfl to titer. hsv 1 igm screen: negative. hsv 2 igm screen: negative. reference range: negative. can you please explain why one is poistive and one is negative?