Articles tagged with Herpes Simplex
A blood test for HSV-2 can detect antibodies in people at high risk for STDs, HIV-positive individuals, and those whose partners have the virus. Pregnant women with uninfected partners do not require screening, as most women develop antibodies after three months of infection.
The NIH awarded Indiana University a $7 million grant to establish the Midwest Sexually Transmitted Infections and Topical Microbicides Cooperative Research Center. The center will focus on researching epidemiology, acquisition, prevention, and pathogenesis of sexually transmitted infections in young women.
A team from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oregon Health & Science University has discovered a record number of proteins for the highly infectious human cytomegalovirus, doubling the previously identified amount. The study reveals that HCMV may express as many as 200 proteins at various points in its life cycle.
Researchers found that THC prevents viral reactivation in gamma herpes viruses, which are linked to certain cancers. The study suggests a potential antiviral drug based on nonpsychoactive derivatives of THC, but further research is required.
A new vaccine for genital herpes is being tested in a clinical trial, aiming to protect women against this sexually transmitted infection. The vaccine has passed preliminary safety and effectiveness testing and is now enrolling approximately 7,550 healthy female volunteers between 18-30 years old.
A randomized, double-blind trial involving 1,484 couples found that Valtrex reduced symptomatic genital herpes transmission by 75% and overall acquisition by 48%. The study showed consistent results with previous studies on recurrences.
A study of nearly 1,500 couples found that valacyclovir reduced HSV-2 transmission by half, with couples using condoms and valacyclovir having the lowest transmission rate. This finding adds an important option in managing genital herpes, particularly for those who are sexually active.
Researchers found a physical interaction between herpes virus and amyloid precursor protein (APP), suggesting a potential clue to Alzheimer's disease. The discovery may lead to further investigations into the role of the virus in the disease.
A new study found a clear association between genital ulcer symptoms during and after HIV acquisition. Higher rates of genital ulcer disease were observed among HIV-positive participants, particularly those with HSV-2 antibodies.
Researchers have developed a new herpes-based AIDS vaccine that could help the immune system produce more infection-fighting antibodies and killer T-cells, potentially making it more effective. The vaccine uses an amplicon to deliver DNA from the AIDS virus, which is then amplified and used to trigger an immune response.
A recent University of Pittsburgh study found that women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) are nearly twice as likely to get herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The study, which involved over 1,200 sexually active women, suggests that more comprehensive screening and treatment could reduce susceptibility to HSV-2.
Researchers discovered a lignin-carbohydrate compound from Prunella vulgaris with potent activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. The compound showed significant reduction in skin lesions and increase in survival rate in guinea pigs and mice, respectively.
A long-term study found that administering oral antivirals reduced the risk of blindness and other serious eye effects in patients with eye shingles. Untreated patients experienced 8.9% adverse outcomes, while treated patients had only 2.1%. Timing of treatment also affected long-term outcomes.
Researchers found that herpes viruses use a viral protein called mK3 to hide from the immune system by marking MHC class 1 molecules as waste. This study provides insights into basic cellular processes and offers novel strategies for understanding viral infections.
OHSU researchers identified a critical role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in training T-cells to combat infections. The discovery may lead to the development of more effective vaccines and immune system boosting strategies for susceptible populations, such as the elderly.
A large clinical trial will be conducted at 16 US sites, with Saint Louis University leading as the national coordinating site. The study aims to prevent genital herpes in women using an investigational vaccine.
A major herpes vaccine trial is underway for women to prevent genital herpes, with over 70% of HSV-1 and HSV-2 negative women showing protection against the disease. The trial aims to recruit thousands of HSV-negative women to test the efficacy of a subunit vaccine containing a piece of the virus outer coat.
A study found that herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection may increase the risk of invasive cervical cancer, particularly when combined with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The study analyzed data from seven countries and detected HSV-2 antibodies in nearly half of women with cervical cancer, but not in most women without the d...
Researchers have developed a new technology using firefly light to monitor herpes infections in mice, allowing for repeated tracking over time without sacrificing animals. This non-invasive method enables the investigation of viral populations and immune system influences.
Scientists found that herpes virus uses regulators of complement activation (RCA) to evade the immune system. The study reveals that complement plays a crucial role in controlling persistent and latent infection, contradicting previous assumptions.
A new study found that 96% of HIV-positive MSM with STIs had received healthcare in the previous six months, highlighting the need for regular screening and effective risk reduction messages. The study also revealed high rates of co-infections with HSV-2 and syphilis among HIV-infected men.
Apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism, has been linked to herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), a devastating brain infection. The study found that apoptotic cells were present in HSE patients and correlated with active infection and tissue injury.
A UCSF study found high levels of HCV infection among young low-income women in San Francisco, with injection drug use and HSV-2 co-infection contributing to transmission. The study also highlights the need for public health efforts beyond needle exchange programs to address non-needle drug use and sexually transmitted diseases.
A recent analysis of 31 studies found that individuals with HSV-2 infection are twice as likely to contract HIV, with up to half of cases attributed to preceding HSV-2 infection. The study highlights the importance of controlling HSV-2 infection in preventing HIV acquisition.
Researchers at Brown University and the Marine Biological Laboratory have observed herpes simplex virus traveling from nerve endings to nerve cell bodies within living nerve cells. The discovery of a single transport mechanism could lead to better treatment options for potentially lethal viral infections.
Researchers found that a synthetic protein resembling the herpes simplex virus mimics beta-amyloid, a toxic agent in Alzheimer's patients. This connection could lead to the development of vaccines or drugs to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease.
A study from the University of Washington reveals that people unaware of having genital herpes are just as likely to spread the disease, and education can help identify infected individuals. The study found 83% of asymptomatic people shed HSV-2 virus in their genital secretions.
Oregon Health Sciences University researchers have found a genetic link between vascular disease and the human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpes family. The study suggests that CMV stimulates smooth muscle cell migration, leading to inflammation and blockage in artery walls.
Researchers will study the psychological impact of diagnosis on self-esteem and relationships. The study aims to understand how people cope with the news and develop prevention strategies.
Researchers have successfully delivered a therapeutic gene for peripheral neuropathy using a modified herpes virus, which can produce nerve growth factor (NGF) in non-neuronal cells and enter the bloodstream. This approach may offer a long-term solution for patients with peripheral neuropathy resulting from diabetes or chemotherapy.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified a new way to halt herpes simplex virus reproduction by targeting its molecular tracks. The study found that inhibiting JNK protein kinase reduces viral yield in cells by up to 70%.
A multi-center study found that people infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) are at a greater risk of acquiring bronchitis, bladder and kidney infections, oral herpes, and pneumonia. HTLV-II is primarily found in injection drug users and Amerindian tribes in South and Central America.
Researchers at University of Chicago discover that a single amino acid change in viral protein ICP0 prevents herpes virus from entering nervous system. The finding reveals a potential new target for herpes vaccines or future therapies.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center successfully controlled incontinence in animal model of diabetes using gene therapy approach. The treatment, involving delivery of nerve growth factor gene via modified herpes virus, showed promising results by repairing damaged bladder nerves and improving bladder function.
New research shows that social stress can trigger a dormant herpes virus to reactivate in mice, with the most dominant mice being affected. The study provides a valuable animal model for studying the relationship between stress and immunity, and may have implications for human health.
Researchers have found that acyclovir significantly reduces the number of recurrences of ocular herpes disease, a condition affecting 400,000 Americans each year. The study identified patients who would benefit most from long-term acyclovir treatment and showed the drug has few side effects.
Researchers developed a model to predict antiviral drug resistance in genital herpes, finding that treating the disease would prevent more cases than developing resistant strains. The study suggests using this methodology for other infectious diseases prone to resistance.
A study by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke found that more than 70% of MS patients exhibited an increased immune response to human herpes virus-6, suggesting a potential trigger for the disease. Active HHV-6 was detected in approximately 35% of all MS patients studied.
Research found that 2-3% of pregnant women acquire herpes during pregnancy, with the greatest risk to infants when acquired late. Routine testing for herpes can help prevent transmission and inform birthing decisions.
A new experimental vaccine has been developed to block viral entry in cattle, which may have implications for the development of vaccines against human herpes viruses. The vaccine stimulates the animal's immune system to make antibodies that line the nasal passages and block the virus from entering the animal.
Scientists have identified a human protein that allows herpes simplex virus to penetrate into lymphocytes, a key step in understanding recurrent herpetic disease. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of new classes of antiviral drugs.