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Scientists ID Gene That Predicts Chances of Cold Sores
Posted 2 Dec 2011 by Drugs.com
FRIDAY, Dec. 2 – Scientists have identified the first gene associated with frequent herpes-related cold sores. The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) affects more than 70 percent of the U.S. population. Once the virus infects the body it is never removed by the immune system. It's transported to nerve cell bodies, where it remains dormant until reactivated. A cold sore on or around the mouth is the most common visible symptom of HSV-1 reactivation. "Researchers believe that three factors contribute to HSV-1 reactivation – the virus itself, exposure to environmental factors and genetic susceptibility," study first author Dr. John Kriesel, a research associate professor of infectious diseases at the University of Utah School of Medicine, said in a university news release. "The goal of our investigation was to define genes linked to cold sore frequency." He and his team conducted ... Read more
Related support groups: Cold sores, Herpes Simplex Labialis
Scientists Identify Gene Linked to Cold Sores
Posted 28 Oct 2011 by Drugs.com
FRIDAY, Oct. 28 – Researchers have identified a certain gene associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex labialis, more commonly known as cold sores. People who carry this gene may have more frequent and severe outbreaks of the small blister-like lesions that appear around the mouth, the new study said. The researchers noted that their findings could lead to the development of new treatments for the herpes simplex virus type 1, which infects 70 percent of the U.S. population, according to a news release from the Infectious Diseases Society of America. In the study, investigators identified an area on human chromosome 21 among 618 people from 43 large families where six genes that have been previously linked to cold sores are located. They found one gene in particular, known as C21orf91, was linked to more frequent outbreaks. "While these findings await confirmation in a larger, ... Read more
Related support groups: Cold sores, Herpes Simplex Labialis
Skin Infections Can Spread Easily Among Athletes
Posted 13 Feb 2011 by Drugs.com
FRIDAY, Feb. 11 – In addition to the collegiality and competitive spirit that typifies team sports, one dermatologist cautions that players may be sharing something far less desirable: contagious skin infections. "Outbreaks of ringworm, herpes and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have occurred at the high school, collegiate and professional level throughout the world," dermatologist Dr. Brian B. Adams, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. "These skin conditions are highly contagious and can spread through sports teams quite quickly, especially if they are not immediately diagnosed and contained. That is why athletes need to be aware of these risks and how to spot the warning signs of a skin infection," he noted. Adams is scheduled to discuss the role played by bacterial, viral and fungus-based infections in team ... Read more
Related support groups: Cold sores, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection, Tinea Corporis, Herpes Simplex Labialis
Treatment Target for Herpes Pinpointed
Posted 27 Mar 2009 by Drugs.com
FRIDAY, March 27 – Researchers have identified a potential new target in the ongoing quest for a treatment, and possibly a cure, for the herpes virus. A viral protein known as VP16 is apparently responsible for pushing herpes out of its latent state and back into an active infectious state. Experts estimate that 70 percent to 90 percent of people worldwide carry the herpes virus, although not all show symptoms. "It's a huge, huge epidemic," said study author Nancy Sawtell, a researcher in the division of infectious diseases at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Her report appears in the March 26 issue of PLoS Pathogens. Herpes is transmitted by close person-to-person contact, often through the mouth or genitals. This study looks specifically at herpes simplex 1, which can cause cold sores and genital lesions. The virus can also cause stromal keritis, the leading cause of ... Read more
Related support groups: Herpes Simplex, Herpes Simplex Labialis
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Valtrex, Maintain, valacyclovir, Famvir, famciclovir, slippery elm, Pontocaine, goldenseal, Denavir, view more... Zilactin-L, Spec-T, Dent-O-Kain, Bicozene, Orabase, Xerese, Benzo-Jel, Isodettes, Dermocaine, Retre-Gel, acyclovir/hydrocortisone, benzyl alcohol, penciclovir, Anbesol Cold Sore, benzalkonium chloride/benzocaine, Tanac, Viractin, Lipsovir