Hi all,

INTRO & BACKGROUND:

I recently found out that I tested positive on an ELISA blood test
(Quest Diagnostics...check out their stock people!).  I got the test
when I had what appeared to be a fungal infection, however right away
I thought...herpes??

Not to unfairly dismiss the *young* Dr. I saw, but I reasoned that it
was possibly an atypical presentation of the virus.

Here are the details of my blood test results:

-------------+--------+--------------------+-------------+----+------+
  Test      |   Low  |      Normal        |     High    |Flag| Ref  |
-------------+--------+--------------------+-------------+----+------+
HSV I ABS IgG|        |      < 0.90        |             |    |<0.90 |
HSVII ABS IgG|        |      < 0.90        |             |    |<0.90 |
            |      Reference Range for HSV1/HSV2:       |    |      |
            |       Negative:   Less than 0.90 Index    |    |      |
            |       Equivocal:  0.90-1.10 Index         |    |      |
            |       Positive:   Greater than 1.10 Index |    |      |
            |        |                    |             |    |      |
HSV ABS IgM  |        |                    |   POSITIVE  | H  |N NEG.|
HSV IGM TITER|        |                    |    1.10     | H  |N<1.10|
-------------+--------+--------------------+-------------+----+------+

--I have a rash that prompted my virst visit to the Dr.  It has lasted
well over a month now, and appears to get worse at times, and better
others.  I don't believe it is any STD besides HSV.  At first I
thought it was jock itch, but topically it looks only remotely a
fungus..it is a very subtle rash that itches (I know, I know, it could
be an endless number of dermatological/allergic reactions).  I've come
to grips with the fact that its probably herpes, and realized that I
could be much worse off.  Best of all, I am much more sensitive to the
AIDS issues today.

QUESTIONS:

Before even asking my questions, I want everyone to know that I got
blood drawn for the HSV Western Blot (ah yes, the "gold standard") and
should get the results in about a week.  Now, on to the questions...

--Anyone out there have a case like mine?  E.g. where they are tested
as positive for their IgM (the initial immune antibody response) with
a TITER at the peak of the Equivocal range?

--Am I correct in assuming that the Equivocal range is a "gray area"
of sorts?

--If my Western Blot does end up coming back with a postive HSV1 or
HSV2, is it safe to say that given:
   (1) I have been sexually active with only one individual in the
last year
   (2) My results indicate the "acute phase antibody" response (IgM)
that therefore my current partner is the only possible transmitter of
the virus?  In other words, is it safe to conclude that the infection
was recent?

--Is it possible for artifact immune complexes to effectively confuse
antibody measurements and immunoassays such as ELISA?
(NOTE: the accuracy of the current ELISA immunoassay is 97%, and its
specificity is also 97%)

--Anybody know of any relationship between immunological responses due
to chronic fatigue syntrom and re-activation of mono-causing herpes
viruses (EBV, HHV-6, or CMV)?  Would such a re-activation warrant an
HSV IgM response from an ELISA?

--Is there any evidence that vaccines such as Hepititus A and others
play a significant role in complicating immunoassay results?

--I've had my rash for over a month...would it be possible for an
outbreak to last that long?  I didn't think so, but I suppose it could
be 2 outbreaks right in a row.  Of course, I could test positive for
herpes simplex and ALSO have an unrelated rash; I know that is a
possibility as well.

Thanks everyone and much love to you all.

-RDL