Study finds possible link between cold sore virus herpes and nerve diseases

Scientists have a found a possible link between the herpes simplex virus and neurodegenerative diseases, according to a recent study. The researchers also identified a protein that may restrict the spread of the herpes simplex virus type 1, which gives some indication as to why the virus is suppressed in most people but not in all. The herpes virus is widespread and there are many types. Herpes simplex, a common type, is split into two categories: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). In this study, the scientists focussed on HSV-1, which is mainly transmitted orally between people and can result in cold sores and genital herpes in infected people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s thought that around 67 percent of the world’s population under the age of 50—around 3.7 billion people—have an HSV-1 infection. Once someone gets it, it is lifelong, and HSV-1 tends to lie dormant...