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How To Confirm HSV 1 And HSV 2?
I had what may have been a primary herpes outbreak (high fever, fatigue) that I thought was only a UTI (which I tested positive for and was on Bactrim for.) The lesions were tested via PCR 3 days after the first one appeared. However, both HSV 1 and 2 came back negative. Is there a chance I do NOT have either version? Could the Bactrim have effected the results? I had taken 3 of 6 pills when I was tested. The blood test for syphilis also came back non-reactive. Is there any way that is what the sores were from and the test was too soon for antibodies to show up? Or could they also have been effected by Bactrim?
Mon, 22 Dec 2014
Hello. Thank you writing to us at healthcaremagic
The test which was used i.e PCR detects viral DNA and not antibodies to the virus.
It is very sensitive and specific test for HSV. This test can detect viral DNA from genital secretions even during the prodromal period i.e before clinical lesions appear and even well after the lesions of herpes have healed.
Therefore there is no question of PCR being too soon to detect the virus. It should be positive if they were indeed herpes lesions.
Being an antibiotic, bactrim won't have an effect the test results..
Therefore if PCR was negative it is very likely that the lesions were not herpetic in origin.
Regards
The test which was used i.e PCR detects viral DNA and not antibodies to the virus.
It is very sensitive and specific test for HSV. This test can detect viral DNA from genital secretions even during the prodromal period i.e before clinical lesions appear and even well after the lesions of herpes have healed.
Therefore there is no question of PCR being too soon to detect the virus. It should be positive if they were indeed herpes lesions.
Being an antibiotic, bactrim won't have an effect the test results..
Therefore if PCR was negative it is very likely that the lesions were not herpetic in origin.
Regards
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