What this test measures
HSV-2 type-specific IgG is the immunoglobulin-G antibody against glycoprotein G2 (gG2) of herpes simplex virus type 2. It specifically identifies HSV-2 infection separately from HSV-1 — important because HSV-2 is the major cause of genital herpes and has different transmission, recurrence, and partner-counselling implications.
IgG appears 2–6 weeks after primary infection and persists for life. The type-specific assay avoids the cross-reactivity that plagued older combined HSV IgG tests.
Why it matters
HSV-2 affects 10–20% of adults worldwide and is almost always sexually transmitted. In India, HSV-2 seroprevalence is approximately 15–25% in adults, with higher rates in high-risk populations. HSV-2 is the leading cause of genital herpes globally and a major risk factor for HIV acquisition.
HSV-2 IgG is used in: (1) recurrent genital ulcer evaluation when no lesion is present for PCR; (2) pregnancy workup, especially in serodiscordant couples (HSV-2 positive partner, HSV-2 negative pregnant woman — risk of primary infection in pregnancy); (3) partner counselling in discordant couples; (4) HIV co-management (HSV-2 control reduces HIV risk).
How to prepare
No fasting required. Mention pregnancy status, partner status, sexual history, recurrent genital lesions, or HIV status.
Markers & reference ranges
Reference ranges below are typical adult values. Your lab's reported range may differ slightly based on the assay platform and patient demographics — always read your report against the range printed on it.
| Marker | Normal range | If low | If high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-HSV-2 IgG (Type-Specific) (Index / Reactive-Non-reactive)[1][2] | Non-reactive in non-infected adults | Non-reactive — no past HSV-2 exposure. Susceptible to primary HSV-2 infection. In pregnancy with HSV-2-positive partner, discuss preventive measures. | Reactive — past HSV-2 infection. The virus persists in sacral ganglia for life; recurrent genital outbreaks may occur. Asymptomatic shedding can transmit the virus. Suppressive antiviral therapy reduces shedding and protects partners. |
HSV-2 IgG clinical implications
| HSV-2 IgG | Genital lesion history | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Recurrent ulcers | HSV-2 genital herpes confirmed; suppressive antivirals if frequent |
| Positive | No history | Past asymptomatic HSV-2; counsel on transmission risk |
| Negative | Recurrent ulcers | Investigate other causes; consider HSV PCR during outbreak |
| Negative | Partner HSV-2 positive | Susceptible — barrier methods + partner suppressive therapy |
| Positive | Pregnancy | Maternal acquisition before pregnancy → lower neonatal risk; obstetric management |
Frequently asked questions
I have a positive HSV-2 IgG. How did I get it?
HSV-2 is almost always sexually transmitted. Many people acquire it from a partner who was unaware they were carriers (asymptomatic shedding). It does not necessarily mean recent or risky behaviour.
I have HSV-2 but no symptoms. Can I still transmit it?
Yes — asymptomatic shedding occurs and can transmit HSV-2 to sexual partners even without visible lesions. Suppressive antiviral therapy reduces shedding by ~70% and reduces transmission risk.
Can HSV-2 be cured?
No. Antivirals (aciclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir) shorten outbreaks and reduce shedding but do not eliminate the latent virus.
How long does HSV-2 IgG stay positive?
For life. The infection is lifelong and so is the antibody.
My partner is HSV-2 positive and I am negative. How can I avoid infection?
Consistent condom use, daily suppressive antiviral therapy for the positive partner (reduces transmission ~50%), and avoidance of intercourse during outbreaks. Risk cannot be eliminated entirely.
Is HSV-2 linked to HIV?
Yes — HSV-2 infection roughly doubles the risk of acquiring HIV. HSV-2 control is an important component of HIV prevention.
I am pregnant and HSV-2 positive. Will my baby be affected?
Pre-pregnancy maternal HSV-2 carries low risk of neonatal herpes. Primary HSV-2 acquired in the third trimester is the highest-risk scenario. Antenatal suppressive therapy from 36 weeks is often offered to reduce risk.
Related Infectious Disease tests
Tests commonly ordered alongside HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS II (HSV)-IGG, or that help interpret an unexpected result.
Sources & references
- CDC — Genital Herpes · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- NIH MedlinePlus — Herpes Test · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- NCBI StatPearls — Herpes Simplex Virus · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- IDSA — HSV Guidance · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
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