Turns out that a research team investigated whether inhibitors of a specific viral protein would stop and delay the replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Treating viruses isn’t an easy task. They take over the cell, use its activities in their favor, and therefore are considered parasites [1].

An important question we should discuss is, why don’t doctors prescribe antibiotics for viral infections? Well, the answer lies within the bacteria’s structure.

Unlike viruses, bacteria are very similar to each other and different from us humans. This is reflected, for example, in very conserved protein elements different from ours found on their outer surface [2].

Antibiotics target those specific conserved elements which are significant for bacteria activity, thus eliminating the bacteria from the body. This fact becomes a problem when antibiotics eliminate good bacteria from the body as well [3].

Viruses, are actually parasites, and unlike bacteria, their elements aren’t conserved between one another and strikingly, in some cases, they mimic elements we have in our cells. This fact makes it difficult for our immune system to recognize viruses as a foreign element [1].

Therefore, treating viruses requires high creativity and very deep thought from doctors, researchers and pharmaceutical companies.

Over the years, the scientific community finally realized that understanding the molecular process of viral infection is important and will aid in the development of antiviral drugs.
For instance, acyclovir takes advantage of a specific viral molecular pathway and thus prevents further viral replication without affecting the normal cellular processes.

Research team hopes that herpes virus changes very slowly. That gives them a better chance at investigating something that can work for a long time without allowing the virus to mutate as rapidly as currently approved treatments do [4-5]. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Turns out that a research team investigated whether inhibitors of a specific viral protein would stop and delay the replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Strikingly, the inhibitors stopped accumulation of viral genomes and infectious particles and blocked the viral replication cycle [4]. Do I smell new herpes treatment???

These results are very encouraging since they enable an additional pathway to fight the virus. And it doesn’t end there, after scientists discover the mechanism by which this drug inhibits the spread of the virus, it can be used along with other antivirals as a cocktail, similar to HIV treatment, therefore preventing resistance.

Turns out that one of the tested inhibitors has already proven effective in animals and another is found in a topical anti fungal already FDA approved for use! [5]

Research team hopes that herpes virus changes very slowly. That gives them a better chance at investigating something that can work for a long time without allowing the virus to mutate as rapidly as currently approved treatments do [4-5].
References:
1. Koonin EV, Senkevich TG, Dolja VV. The ancient Virus World and evolution of cells. Biol. Direct. 2006;1:29.
2. Woese CR, Fox GE (1977). “Phylogenetic structure of the prokaryotic domain: the primary kingdoms”. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 74 (11): 5088–90.
3. Goodman, Louis, & Gilman, Alfred (1941). The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (1st ed.) New York: The Macmillan Company.
4. J. E. Tavis, H. Wang, A. E. Tollefson, B. Ying, M. Korom, X. Cheng, F. Cao, K. L. Davis, W. S. M. Wold, L. A. Morrison. Inhibitors of Nucleotidyltransferase Superfamily Enzymes Suppress Herpes Simplex Virus Replication.Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2014; 58 (12): 7451
5. Saint Louis University. “Enzyme inhibitors suppress herpes simplex virus replication, study finds.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 December 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141218131937.htm>.

So, a few smart scientists came up with the idea of creating a vaginal ring, which is used to prevent herpes infection, and is also used as a means of birth control. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Wouldn’t it be amazing if it were possible to prevent sexually transmitted diseases? Imagine not needing to do the “talk” before getting involved in a sexual relationship.
So far, avoiding sexually transmitted disease is mainly by using a condom. Moreover, asking your partner to conduct and STD test before sexual encounter, is very much important too!

Preventing herpes isn’t an easy task due to the fact that sometimes, an infected person may be shedding the virus even without having outbreaks.

Preventing herpes isn’t an easy task due to the fact that sometimes, an infected person may be shedding the virus even without having outbreaks.

Aside from preventing STD’s, it is not always the right time to fall pregnant, and as a result, women prefer to use contraceptives. There are different ways to prevent pregnancy for example, birth control pills, diaphragm, condoms, spermicide and vaginal ring use.

So, a few smart scientists came up with the idea of creating a vaginal ring, which is used to prevent herpes infection, and is also used as a means of birth control.

So, a few smart scientists came up with the idea of creating a vaginal ring, which is used to prevent herpes infection, and is also used as a means of birth control.

This new multipurpose ring contain a combination substances known as MZC. Previous research found that an MZC gel lowered the risk of catching herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) [1].
The experiment was conducted on monkeys. In the study, the MZC plus hormonal contraceptive levonorgestrel rings reduced the likelihood of becoming infected with HSV-2 by about 30 percent. As for the monkeys that did acquire genital herpes, the ring lowered the rate of viral shedding (i.e, the rate at which the virus may pass on to a different monkey) [1].

However, this is not the first multipurpose vaginal ring to be researched for use against the herpes virus. Collaborative research from the University of Utah and the reproductive health research organization CONRAD showed that a vaginal ring using the topical microbicide tenofovir could help prevent HSV-2 transmission for up to 90 days [3].

Until this vaginal ring is FDA approved, we must continue acting responsible as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of viruses. Image by: freedigitalphotos.net

The following research results shows promise in development of multipurpose vaginal rings.

However, it is important to remember that the former new multipurpose ring has not been tested on humans, and developing an effective product with FDA approved drugs takes time.
Until this vaginal ring is FDA approved, we must continue acting responsible as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of viruses.

References:
1. Aidsmeds.com – “Vaginal Ring May Protect Against HIV, Herpes, HPV and Pregnancy.” Published on November 13, 2014.
2. healthline.com – Haskins, J. “First Intravaginal Ring to Protect Against Pregnancy, HIV, and Herpes.” Published on November 12, 2013.

Amadeus, the company that developed the HPV vaccine, is now developing a Herpes vaccination, or to be more accurate, HSV-2. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Viruses are significant factors with regard to population changes throughout history. For instance, history could be different, had knowledge of the smallpox vaccine discovered in China a thousand years ago reach Europe (and America) on time. Smallpox plague killed a third of Europe’s population in the 14th century. It was responsible for the fall of at least three empires around the world, almost destroyed the entire population of South America and by the end of the 18th century killed more than 400,000 people each year in Europe [1,2].

The latter is just a small example to viruses various impacts during history. It was up to extraordinary people along history, to bring medical revolution.
Vaccination means immune protection.
Vaccines protect against dangerous infectious diseases that can cause great suffering, severe disability and even death. They can be used to prevent the spread of infection, as well as treat current infections by effectively activating the immune system [3,4].

How does a vaccine work?

Vaccination relies on the body’s ability to defend itself better against pathogens, if exposed to them in the past. When a deadly virus encounters a person for the first time, the virus does not allow the immune system to adapt to it and fight it.

Vaccination relies on the body’s ability to defend itself better against pathogens, if exposed to them in the past. When a deadly virus encounters a person for the first time, the virus does not allow the immune system to adapt to it and fight it. Therefore, the disease will break out in all its fury, not allowing the body to defend itself, making it a losing battle [5].
We have come to realize that, injecting weakened viruses puts our immune system in an advantage, a way for the body to recognize it and deal with it better in the future, and, although the disease does erupt as a result of the vaccine itself (containing the virus, even if it is weakened), it causes very mild symptoms, if at all.

Vaccination is safe and effective.

All vaccines undergo long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government to make sure they are safe. And if that is not enough, in the United States, all vaccines must go through extensive testing to show that it works and that it is safe before the FDA will approve it.

The HPV vaccine is a very important vaccine developed recently. This vaccine prevents infection with certain strains of HPV that causes, among other health problems, cervical cancer [6].

Amadeus, the company that developed the HPV vaccine, is now developing a Herpes vaccination, or to be more accurate, HSV-2.

Amadeus, the company that developed the HPV vaccine, is now developing a Herpes vaccination, or to be more accurate, HSV-2.

The vaccine has just completed phase 1 vaccine trial, and is now about to enter phase 2. Results of the phase 1 trial showed that the new herpes vaccine produced an immune response in 95% of the humans it was tested in [7].

Currently, the vaccine is destined to treat people who are already infected with HSV-2, however, over time it will be tested whether the vaccine also works to prevent the spread of the virus.

In term of natural treatment, there are two effective and clinically proved products on the market called Novirin and Gene- Eden- VIR [8]. For more information, Click here: http://www.buy-gene-eden.com/

Although this vaccination development seems promising, we must not be complacent. The vaccine in question is against HSV-2 and not HSV-1, and in rare cases HSV-1 may also cause genital herpes.

Moreover, it will take still a while until the vaccination passes further testing and gains FDA approval. So we must continue taking responsibility to prevent further spreading of the virus.

References:
1. D. Littman RJ, Littman ML. The Athenian plague: smallpox. Proceedings of the American Philological Association. 1969; 100:261-75.
2. E. Miller, G. 1980. Discussion: times, places, and persons, p. 109-114. In A. M. Lilienfeld (ed.), Aspects of the history of epidemiology. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
3. Neighmond, Patti (2010-02-07). “Adapting Vaccines For Out Aging Immune Systems” Morning Edition (NPR).
4. Immunization Action Coalition, Top Ten Reasons to Protect Your Child by Vaccinating
5. “Vaccine Overview” (PDF). Smallpox Fact Sheet. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
6. news.com.au – “Professor Ian Frazer is developing vaccines for herpes simplex and cervical cancer.” Published on October 03, 2014.
7. ProactiveInvestors.com.au – “Admedus vaccine for herpes has success; moves to next clinical trial.” Published on October 2, 2014.
8. Polansky, H., Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published on August 12, 2013.

Individuals who experience a shingles outbreak are almost twice as likely to develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Are you familiar with the herpes virus? That annoying virus that causes cold sores on the lips?

So it turns out that it is not the only Herpes virus, but a member of a family of viruses called herpesviridae.

Therefore there are several types of herpes viruses, while each virus infects a different part of the body, as well as causes different symptoms.

For example, Herpes virus 2 (HSV-2), causes genital warts, whereas Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes mild symptoms or no symptoms at all [4].

I bet you’re asking yourselves by now, “Why is she telling us all about types of Herpes viruses??”

Well, the fact is that I actually want to tell you about Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which is also a member of the Herpesvirus group. Interestingly, primary infections with VZV cause chickenpox whereas shingles is caused by recurrent infection [1].

And it doesn’t end there, after a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus persists in the sensory nerve in a latent state. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles.

Another interesting fact is that apparently individuals who experience a shingles outbreak are almost twice as likely to develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Another interesting fact is that apparently individuals who experience a shingles outbreak are almost twice as likely to develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

We must realize the fact that many diseases once thought unrelated to each other, emerge as related to a very large extent. Therefore, the importance of continued research in the field is enormous. Image by: www.freedigitalphotos.net

And what is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome you ask? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by unexplainable constant fatigue (tired and weak all the time), while several factors contribute to the development of the disease, such as latent viral infections [2,3].

According to the study, due to its ability to infect the nerves, latent VZV causes long term nerve dysfunction, which helps explain why individuals infected with VZV experience CFS symptoms.

Moreover, additional studies had shown that administering antiherpes agents causes significant improvement in some CFS patients [3].

The medical world is extremely broad, and despite advanced technology and various tools we posses, there are still diseases which are not fully understood.

Furthermore, we must realize the fact that many diseases once thought unrelated to each other, emerge as related to a very large extent. Therefore, the importance of continued research in the field is enormous.

References:

1. CDC.gov – Shingles (Herpes Zoster) – Signs & Symptoms
cdc.gov/shingles/about/symptoms.html

2. Tsai SY1, Yang TY, Chen HJ, Chen CS, Lin WM, Shen WC, Kuo CN, Kao CH. Increased risk of chronic fatigue syndrome following herpes zoster: a population-based study. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2014 Sep;33(9):1653-9.

3. Shapiro JS. Does varicella-zoster virus infection of the peripheral ganglia cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Med Hypotheses. 2009 Nov;73(5):728-34. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19520522

4. Whitley, Richard J., David W. Kimberlin, and Bernard Roizman. “Herpes simplex viruses.” Clinical Infectious Diseases (1998): 541-553.

Race following vaccinations is ongoing, mainly due to formation of new viruses and modifications of existing viruses which is occurring every day.

The importance of vaccination against latent viruses is huge, since once infected with these viruses they stay in our bodies throughout our lives, and could erupt at any time.

Michael Tipple, CEO of Tomegavax and his research team on, may face a vaccine that stimulates the immune response around the clock – potentially guarding it constantly against latent viruses such as herpes, HPV and HIV [1].

Michael Tipple, CEO of Tomegavax and his research team on, may face a vaccine that stimulates the immune response around the clock – potentially guarding it constantly against latent viruses such as herpes, HPV and HIV [1].

The main problem with latent viruses is that upon primary infection, immune cells can’t fight the virus effectively and efficiently due to the lack of an “up front” immune response

So, how this vaccine works you ask ?? Its mechanism is very interesting.

The virus used in this vaccine is CMV (cytomegalovirus). It turns out that the body responds to CMV more slowly and calmly than it does, for example, to a flu.

Upon any infection, a gland in the body generates new white blood cells primed to target the specific virus, but in the case of this vaccine those cells stay in an unusual “half-alert” state [2].

What does that mean? So let’s give you an example. A full-blown immune response eventually exhausts itself, and can even be dangerous.

For example, humans who catch bird flu often die of the immune response itself.

In the case of CMV, 80% of the population get it at some point in their lifetime, have few, if any, symptoms and therefore may not even know that they have been infected [3].

So in the case of CMV based vaccine, in a therapeutic or preventative sense, the immune system’s constantly working and ready in case of a new viral infection [2].

Two pharmacutical companies combined resources in order to develop a vaccination against Herpes Virus

So in the case of CMV based vaccine, in a therapeutic or preventative sense, the immune system’s constantly working and ready in case of a new viral infection [2].

Vaccine development by Tomegavax is an important tool for dealing with viruses. It will take at least three years to develop an appropriate vaccine for humans, so until then we must act responsibly and ensure control over the spread of the virus.
Our natural environment is very dynamic and constantly changing and as people are born die and change, so does viruses. This requires us to show responsibility and always be up to date on current trends in scientific research.

References:
1. Keshavan, M. Startup using Gates-funded research to develop herpes & HIV vaccines, raising $12M. Published October 2, 2014.
2. Hansen, Scott G., et al. “Immune clearance of highly pathogenic SIV infection.” Nature (2013).
3. CDC.gov – Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Congenital CMV Infection. Last updated December 6, 2010