INTRODUCTION: The association of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with herpesvirus infections has been suggested, but the relationship has not been experimentally proven. The study in this report used a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the association of four active herpesvirus infections with AD using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS)). The four herpesvirus infections […]
INTRODUCTION: Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) after a primary infection (chickenpox) leads to herpes zoster (HZ-shingles). This short report is the conclusion of three part series, based on the article by Kennedy et al.1 The possible role which autophagy plays in viral latency will be discussed. DISCUSSION: Autophagy is a mechanism which host cells use […]
INTRODUCTION: Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) after a primary infection (chickenpox) leads to herpes zoster (HZ-shingles). In Part I, we discussed a review by Kennedy et al1., which looked at some recent issues in Alphaherpesvirus latency, particularly in regards to VZV ganglionic latency. In Part II, we will look at the immunological aspects of Alphaherpesviruses […]
INTRODUCTION: Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) after a primary infection (chickenpox) leads to herpes zoster (HZ-shingles). In this review by Kennedy et al1., look at some recent issues in alphaherpesvirus latency, particularly in regards to VZV ganglionic latency. The key question they ask is the nature and extent of viral gene transcription during viral latency. […]
INTRODUCTION: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a highly contagious Herpesvirus which causes chickenpox (primary infection) or shingles (upon reactivation). VZV poses a nosocomial infection for healthcare workers and patients. The incubation period for the virus is between 10-21 days. It is generally thought that patients are infectious 1-2 days prior to rash onset and between 4-7 […]
INTRODUCTION: This is Part IV in a series presenting reports dealing with the reaction of Herpes viruses during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Numerous articles came out during 2020 linking Herpes virus reactivations during the pandemic. One of these Herpes viruses, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) has also been shown to reactivate during the pandemic. It has been […]
INTRODUCTION: This is Part III in a series presenting reports dealing with the reaction of Herpes viruses during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Numerous articles came out during 2020 linking Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation which causes Herpes Zoster (HZ) with the pandemic. VZV reactivates in about 1/3 of individuals later in life, after having been infected […]
INTRODUCTION: In this 2nd Part, we will present reports dealing with the reaction of another group of Herpes viruses, human herpes virus 6 & 7 (HHV 6-7). Over the last 18 months the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to an increase in Herpes virus reactivations. This virus (SARS-CoV-2) has a series of evasion mechanisms that allow […]
INTRODUCTION: One of the consequences of the SAR-CoV-2 infections over the last year has been a large increase in reactivation of herpes viruses. There are numerous reports of COVID-19 patients with suspected reactivation of several different herpes viruses, including human herpes virus 1 and 2 (HSV 1/2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), human herpes virus-6 and […]
INTRODUCTION: Over the last six decades, there has been a steady increase in the number of herpes zoster (HZ, shingles) cases in the United States, including among younger adults. A 2013 study (Hales et al1) found that rates of shingles have been climbing since the mid-1940s in all age groups. From 1945 to 1949, 0.76 […]