Scientists have discovered the specific structure of the protein complex that the herpes simplex virus type-2 have while attacking a cell. This discovery by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Tufts University can lead to new avenues of therapies that can prevent the herpes virus to enter into the cells. Using X-ray crystallography and cell microscopy technologies, the researchers have come to know that the structure of the protein complex that the herpes simplex virus type-2 uses in order to enter a cell is very different from earlier studies of protein structures of other viruses.

Via: Med India

Researchers found a supposedly promising genital herpes vaccine to fail miserably in a large clinical test carried out on over eight thousand unaffected women. The vaccine, though could give a mild protection against herpes simplex virus type-1, failed to be effective against genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type-2. However, the failure of the vaccine have led to multiple researches in order to develop an efficient vaccine against both the type of virus. 

Via: Med India

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have come with a new study that reveal that the genital herpes virus strain that is found in Africa is much more deadly than the type found in the US. The researchers claim that the study of the virus strain found in Africa can open up new avenues in the development of vaccines against this highly infectious disease. The challenge that the researchers think they will have to face is whether to develop a single vaccine for both the African and American strain or develop two different vaccines for the different strains.

Via: Med India

In a recent study, it has been found that a drug that is used to treat genital herpes can also be mildly effective in making HIV progression slow. The researchers found that the drug aciclovir may also slow the progression of HIV. However, this field needs more cultivation. 

Via: Med India

A study carried out on about 500 people has revealed that people affected with HSV-2 can transmit the disease no matter if they have or do not have any symptoms like warts, lesions, reddish bumps, blisters or open sores. Samples of genital secretions of these people were taken for a month or two and when cultured, they led to the above conclusion. This means that a person who is affected with HSV-2 and having no symptoms, is unable to know initially that he is infected and hence unknowingly transmits the disease through sexual intercourse. The study has pointed out to the severe threat that the contagious disease poses at present and in the near future.

Via: Med India