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Herpes acquisition and transmission.
1Medical College of Ohio, Sylvania 43560, USA. cgbakb@aol.com
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD
|May 19, 2005
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) may exist beyond the dorsal root ganglion, potentially in the epidermis and organs. Negative serology does not exclude herpes infection, suggesting universal exposure and varied immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Current understanding posits herpesviruses (HSV-1, HSV-2) latency solely in dorsal root ganglia.
- Previous diagnostic methods may have underestimated herpesvirus prevalence and distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the traditional view of herpesvirus latency.
- To explore alternative locations and implications of herpesvirus presence in humans.
Main Methods:
- Utilized advanced Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for enhanced specificity and sensitivity.
- Re-evaluated serological data, specifically anti-glycoprotein G protein antibody tests for HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Main Results:
- Negative serology for HSV-1 and HSV-2 does not reliably rule out infection.
- Herpesvirus exposure appears near-universal, with diverse individual immune responses.
- Evidence suggests herpesviruses may reside in the epidermis, not just ganglia, explaining reactivation patterns.
Conclusions:
- Herpesvirus latency and distribution are more complex than previously assumed.
- The epidermis is a potential site for herpesvirus latency alongside the dorsal root ganglion.
- Herpesviruses might have a symbiotic role, potentially offering anti-cancer benefits through organ retention.