Researchers have discovered that the genital herpes virus frequently reactivates throughout the genital tract –previous studies have found this to be inconclusive, making the treatment of the herpes simplex virus type 2 more difficult.
Scientists at the University of Washington, with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, conducted a study in which separate genital sites from four women who were infected with HSV-2 were sampled over a thirty day period. This virus was found more than half of the time in more than one site from the time of shedding the herpes virus. This reactivation of the herpes virus was found on both sides of the body’s genital tract, both when symptoms were and were not present.
The treatment for genital herpes has previously only focused on treating single lesions, which is why the study is so vital for understanding how the virus spreads and how best to curb it. A similar study has shown that even a healed herpes virus can increase the risk of contracting the HIV infection – the healed genital herpes provides a preferable environment for the HIV virus to attach to, making the individual more susceptible.
This sexually transmitted disease is something which affects over 45 million people over the age of 12 in the United States alone. Even if there is no obvious lesion, it can still be transmitted. It is not always obvious that one has been infected with this virus which is why it is so difficult to control the spread of it, so it is important to be regularly checked for sexually transmitted diseases if you are sexually active. One way to reduce the risk of contracting it is to wear a condom during sexual activity. This new study provides a new insight into how this virus spreads, offering one step closer towards combating it.
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