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Close Topic OptionsScientists Discover Benefits Of Having Herpes
Scientists Discover Benefits Herpes - Psychology, Special Needs, Health - Posted: 1st Sep, 2009 - 6:26am
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Scientists Discover Benefits Of Having Herpes
They just started making tests on mice but who knows, it may also apply to humans?
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| The herpes family of viruses can have a surprising upside - it can protect against the bubonic plague and other bacterial contagions, at least in mice. Research into whether a similar mechanism applies to humans and other mammalian hosts should be conducted, said viral immunologist Skip Virgin at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "There may be symbiotic advantages to chronic infections with these viruses." These new results do not mean people should go out and get infected with herpes, Virgin stressed. They probably already are. Nearly all humans become infected with multiple herpes virus family members during childhood. These germs not only include the herpes simplex viruses, which lead to cold sores and possibly genital herpes, but also the diseases responsible for chickenpox and "mono," as well as several less well-known ailments. Herpes infections have bedeviled animals for more than 100 million years. After the initial period of infection, these viruses enter a dormant state known as latency. Many lurk for the lifetime of their hosts "as permanent passengers" without causing overt symptoms, Virgin said. |
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Scientists Discover Benefits Of Having Herpes Health & Special Psychology
I think what this may provide scientists with, is another way to treat the plague. If they can make a vaccine for herpes, then it may also protect against the plague. Vaccines contain a small amount of the virus, so I think they are on to something. It is interesting to learn things even if it doesn't seem to help people at the moment. It may be helpful information in the future. Maybe the herpes virus just takes over to where the plague can't even get a chance to do anything. Herpes may kill or eat the plague virus. If it can keep the plague away then it may also keep us safe from other things. I'm sure they will keep doing tests.
TOPIC: Scientists Discover Benefits Of Having Herpes