Why herpes is not curable

But if the cells are unsuccessful, the chromatin is only loosely bundled, leaving the viral DNA accessible. The virus particles can then turn on their genes and replicate using the cell's machinery to start a lytic infection, causing disease.

Most researchers have focused on when and how individual genes on the herpes virus genome are turned on and off during infection to figure out how the virus switches between latent and lytic stages.

In the new study, however, the group showed that the dynamics of the chromatin regulate whether the entire herpes virus genome is turned on, which must occur before any individual genes can be expressed.

This new mechanism represents a previously overlooked way to regulate gene expression at the level of the entire viral chromosome. With this new knowledge, researchers can further explore the interplay between the virus and host cells that determines whether viral DNA is expressed.

Antiviral drugs to treat herpes have existed since the s, but thus far a cure or an effective vaccine has been out of reach. The discovery opens up new directions for exploring how the virus reactivates after lying dormant.

Herpes' ability to lay low has thwarted efforts to create effective vaccines or antiviral drugs that fully prevent or cure the infection.

Materials provided by Cornell University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Researchers have conducted several clinical trials investigating vaccines against herpes infection, but there is currently no commercially available vaccine.

Herpes is challenging to cure because of the nature of the virus. Experts suggest that even if antiviral drugs destroy the active parts of the infection, it only takes a small amount of the virus to hide in the nerve cells and become dormant for the herpes virus to continue. To find a treatment, scientists need to understand further the mechanism that enables the infection to hide. By preventing this mechanism, they might be able to tackle the whole infection before parts go dormant.

Some medications may reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms and lower the chances of passing the infection on to others. Current antiviral medications to treat herpes include the following medications :. Acyclovir is typically the first form of treatment for HSV infections. A doctor may treat a skin or mucous membrane infection with oral acyclovir, provided the person has a competent immune system. For people with severe infections or less competent immune systems, the doctor may prescribe intravenous IV acyclovir.

Possible side effects of acyclovir may impact the central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract, which runs from the mouth to the anus. People with high levels of stress or trauma may experience more frequent recurrences of genital herpes. In this case, a doctor may advise psychotherapy and counseling. Some home remedies, such as petroleum gel or essential oils, may alleviate the discomfort that herpes lesions cause. Click here to learn more about the best home remedies to treat herpes.

A person can transmit HSV-1 when they have no symptoms. However, it is most contagious during an outbreak. People with active symptoms must avoid oral contact with others or sharing objects that come into contact with saliva. They must also avoid performing oral sex. Those with symptoms of genital herpes must also abstain from sexual activity to prevent the spread of the disease. People with an HSV-2 infection can transmit genital herpes while experiencing no symptoms. HSV-2 is most contagious during an outbreak of sores.

People should abstain from sexual activity while experiencing symptoms. The correct use of condoms may help to reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes. Other preventative measures include:. If you've had several genital herpes outbreaks, antiviral medication may be an option. If taken at this time, an outbreak may be prevented.

Although there isn't a herpes vaccine, there are three FDA-approved antiviral medications available to treat genital herpes symptoms:. It's true that once you have herpes, you have it for life. But that doesn't mean you can't manage it. By taking a few preventative measures avoiding sexual contact during a flare-up, for example and being proactive, you can easily take control of your health.

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