Q: Once the HSV-2 tests shows positive (I got 1.2 out of the range 0.6 to 1.1), will it show positive in all the future HSV-2 tests? After the first test, I did another HSV-II tests (from a different laboratory) 3 times, but the results always gave a negative. Does it mean I still have HSV-2?

A:HSV 2 antibodies once acquired remain for life long. However they decline with the passage of time. Since almost 90% population is infected with HSV-1, the antibodies induced by HSV-2 are usually masked by previous HSV-1 infection. However, these days specific tests are available to distinguish HSV-1 infections from HSV-2 infections. In your case I do not know which test has been performed? And what was the sensitivity and specificity of the test? It is very difficult to say on the basis of your mentioning the results.