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HERPES RESEARCH

Herpes is a condition that occurs due to a virus named the herpes simplex virus. Herpes includes condition like oral herpes and genital herpes. Oral herpes results in cold sores in the regions around the face, mouth and lips. Genital herpes on the other hand results in sores in the regions around the buttocks, genitals and the anal area. Herpes research indicates that this condition can be transmitted by direct skin contact with the affected area or by way of sexual contact.

Herpes research indicates that this condition can also be transmitted even if no symptoms are visible. Many pregnant women suffering from this condition can also transmit this virus to their babies. The herpes outbreaks may be experienced several times in a year but in most cases the first outbreak is the worst and the following outbreaks may be less severe.

Herpes research reveals that there are two strains of the virus, the herpes simplex type1 virus along with herpes simplex type 2 viruses. The first type is responsible for the maximum cases of oral herpes while the second type is responsible for genital herpes. After exposure it takes two to twenty days for the first symptoms of this condition to be observed. The outbreak may last for around two to three weeks.

Herpes research indicates that the symptoms of this condition include headaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes in the groin areas along with fever. Patients may also experience pain during urination. The sores and lesions are perhaps the most important signs of this condition. Research on this condition has revealed that this disease cannot be fully cured.

Herpes research has revealed that the virus strain lives in the nerve cells in the body and when there is no outbreak the virus remains in a dormant condition. So a person with this condition has to live with it for the rest of his life. The antiviral medication can help in reducing the symptoms associated with this condition. Medication can also reduce the severity of the symptoms along and extend the time gap between outbreaks.

Herpes research aims are developing a vaccine that can protect those infected by this virus from being at the receiving end of the associated problems and symptoms. The vaccine when developed will be successful in disarming the virus in a way wherein it will be incapable of causing disease. The key to developing a virus is to understanding the way the virus acts and overcomes the defense of the body.

Herpes research indicates that when the cell is infected it warns the neighboring cells and the cells enter a state which is called anti viral state. It basically means the cells put up a defense but in herpes a particular protein ICP0 tricks the cells into destroying their defense. The vaccine aims to destroy the genetic instructions that make ICP0 and thereby the disease can be cured.