Is a Negative Herpes IgM Test Result Reliable?

Herpes simplex is a virus that causes oral herpes and genital herpes infections. Patients may undergo blood tests to find IgM antibodies in a patient’s bloodstream that the body uses to fight a herpes virus.

Herpes IgM Test

According to the American Social Health Association, IgM is the first antibody that develops in a patient’s blood after a herpes infection.

Negative Result Problems

Results of IgM testing are not reliable for diagnosing herpes, because up to 50 percent of patients recently infected with herpes will have negative IgM antibody test results, as reported by the American Social Health Association. Doctors may perform other tests, such as cultures, to diagnose herpes.

Oral Herpes

Oral herpes is a herpes infection of the mouth that causes fever blisters or cold sores inside a patient’s mouth.

Genital Herpes

Patients with genital herpes may develop lesions in the genital area that resemble small blisters or pimples, but many individuals have symptoms that are mild and are not visibly recognized as herpes.

Treatment

Physicians may prescribe antiviral drugs such as acyclovir for patients with genital or oral herpes. Patients have also used lysine amino acid nutritional supplements to treat herpes.

References

• American Social Health Association: Learn About Herpes: Testing
• American Social Health Association: Learn About Herpes: Fast Facts
• American Social Health Association: Learn About Herpes: Signs and Symptoms
• American Social Health Association: Learn About Herpes: Treatment