Herpes Simplex Virus: Awareness and Information
Herpes Simplex Virus: Awareness and Information
Herpes is a family of viruses of which herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are the most serious human pathogens1. To initiate the infection, HSV attaches to cell surface membranes and the viral envelope fuses to the plasma membrane of the cell. The virus (without its envelope) is transported to the pore of the nucleus and the virus releases its DNA into the nucleus where viral DNA replications will occur1. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are transported throughout the body via retrograde flow along axons (a component of nerve cells). Multiplication of the virus occurs in a small number of sensory neurons; for HSV-1, which presents around the mouth or face) replicates in the trigeminal ganglion, a collection of nerves located behind the ears and for HSV-2 which presents in the genitals replicates in the sacral ganglion, a collection of nerves found at the base of a spine1. Once replication occurs the viral genome remains in a latent state for the entire lifespan of the host. Viral reactivation can occur for many reasons, such as physical or emotional stress, fever, UV light and tissue damage1.
HSV-2 is chronic in nature and due to the frequency of mostly undetectable reactivations and has a fairly large transmission probability during each sexual act2. And to initiate infection HSV must contact mucosal surfaces or abraded skin1. Compared to bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI's), such as gonorrhoea and syphilis, the threshold for sustainable transmission of HSV-2 is low as bacterial STI's are usually concentrated in high risk groups2.
The global rise in the prevalence of HSV has some extremely serious consequences, especially in the developed world. In sub-Saharan Africa the prevalence of HSV-2 in the adult population is high; 30-80% prevalence in women and 10-50% in men and it has been shown in several investigations that this STI plays a key role in spread of HIV, which is arguably out of control in the African nations. An analysis of the combined results of several longitudinal studies has revealed that individuals that are infected with HSV-2 have 3 times the risk of being infected with HIV compared with individuals who are not HSV-2 infected4. Unfortunately, HSV-2 suppressive therapy, with microbicides, acyclovir and valacyclovir, has not to date demonstrated any effect on HIV infection or transmission4. This implies that once the HSV-2 infection has been caught, there is nothing that can be done to reduce the increased chance of HIV infection. Transmission of the Herpes virus needs to be stopped due to the apparent interaction between HSV-2 infection and HIV-1 infection; because once it has been caught the damage has already been done.
This informative article was written by polyDNA, a biotech firm that developed and markets Gene-Eden, a leading all-natural antiviral health supplement. Designed with chronic diseases in mind, Gene-Eden works by enhancing the immune system to better protect the body from viruses in their latent form. For more information, please visit the Gene-Eden website.
References
1.) Whitley, R. J., Roizman, B. (2001) Herpes simplex virus infections The Lancet Vol. 357, No. 9267: 1513-1518
2.) Abu-Raddad, L. J., Magaret, A. S., Celum, C., Wald, A., Longni, I. M., Self, S. G., Corey, L. (2008) Genital Herpes has played a more important role than any other sexually transmitted infection in driving HIV prevalence in Africa PLoS ONE Vol. 3, No. 5: e2230
3.) Van der Plas, H., Hardle, D. (2011) Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2: a therapeutic approach S Afr Pharm J Vol. 78, No. 1: 32-36
4.) Buve, A. (2010) Can we reduce the spread of HIV infection by suppressing the herpes simplex virus type 2 infection? Medicine Reports Vol. 2, No. 4: Published online.
5.) Issacs, C. E., Wen, G. Y., Xu, W., Jia, J. H., Rohan, L., Corbo, C., Di Maggio, V., Jenkins, E. C., Hiller, S. (2008) Epigallocatchin gallate inactivates clinical isolates of herpes simplex virus. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Vol. 52, No. 3: 962-970
6.) Chacko, S. M., Thambi, P. T., Kuttan, R., Nishigaki, I. (2010) Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review Chinese Medicine Vol. 5, No. 3: Published online
How Do You Know If You Have Herpes? Herpes cure breakthrough How Are you able to Cease Your Partner and You From Receiving Herpes Cure For Herpes Exposed Geraniin, Gene-Eden-For-Safer-Sex Ingredient, Protects Against Herpes (HSV) Infection What has genital herpes got to do with commitment? How common is genital herpes? Take a Herpes Test Today And Save Grief Tomorrow What is Herpes? Cure For Herpes: Find Out The Best Effective Cure For Genital Herpes Genital Herpes Questions & Answers Proven Herpes Natural Cures Genital Herpes And The Demonization