Rampant herpes virus could reach the brain over the nose and changed the behavior

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is an extremely widespread virus that is usually connected to fever bubbles. The World Health Organization estimates that 64 percent of the world's population under the age of 50 are infected, and most will go without symptoms for a long time – or even forever.

While for most adults the HSV-1 infection was historically not considered a “big thing”-with which some of its consequences can be very uncomfortable-recent evidence that this virus has to answer a little more than we have realized. Studies found a connection between herpes viruses and neurodegenerative diseases. These viruses not only have life in our peripheral nerves set up a life in life, but also apparently the potential to travel to the brain.

A new study not only gives more light on how to do it, but also the possibility that these brain infections can lead to changes in behavior.

There is a particularly secret way how HSV-1 can achieve the central nervous system, as the leading author Dr. Deepak Shuckla from the University of Illinois Chicago explained in a statement: “If an infected individual puts the virus over tears, it could reach the nasal cavity where it could go directly to the brain.”

If you feel restless about the idea of ​​a virus that applies in her schnozz, it is more than fair in her brain.

“I think it is under diagnosed and understandable, but the neurological consequences, as we believe, are much more serious than they would normally see in fever bubbles or eye infections,” added Shuckla.

In order to examine these options in more detail, the team infected mice with HSV-1. In order to imitate a chronic infection in humans, the mice were observed for six months, which corresponds to several human years.

“The virus reacts throughout life;

Immediately after the infection, the team observed signs of neuronal damage and inflammation. Over time, the infected animals came worse than their control colleagues in tests of coordination and memory and showed more signs of anxiety.

“There are definitely nerve damage if you take the intranasal path and the effects are long -term, which is alarming,” said Shucla.

But there was a little good news. Earlier investigations showed that HSV-1 could use the Heparanase (HPSE) called Heparanase (HPSE) in our cells, and could help it successfully penetrate brain cells. Mice with the Hpse Gene Knocked did not find the same neurological problems, which could indicate a potential therapeutic road to prevent these harmful effects.

Scientists are increasingly learning about the connection between this virus and the neurological problems. While this special way to the brain is rare in humans, the authors are concerned about the potential for damage because it is such a direct path.

These results in mice may not apply directly to people, it is important to say. According to the team, however, their results are a basis for future research that show the extent of this potential problem in humans and how to concern it.

The study will be published in the MBIO Journal.