"Every cloud has a glimmer of hope" - this is what people sometimes say. But they did not consider HSV at the time. HSV or herpes simplex virus may be unpleasant, but the virus and other related diseases that cause it may be beneficial. At least in mice, they provide the resistance of bacteria to diseases such as plague.
Herpes is just one of several itching, vesicular infections caused by the virus group properly named herpes virus. Eight members of the virus group infect humans and cause various diseases, including chickenpox, herpes zoster, glandular fever, and even herpes itself.
Almost everyone is infected with these viruses during their childhood. But the virus group will stay in the body forever; not just holidays. After the immune system infects the antigen, the virus enters an inactive phase called the "latency period." It remains hidden and has no obvious symptoms. But it is likely to be reactivated at any time.
In this way, the herpes virus, like a life-long parasite, can guarantee its own survival and damage the health of the host. In extreme cases, latent viruses can cause chronic inflammation, which in turn can lead to autoimmune diseases or certain forms of cancer.
But herpes is also a good side. Erik Barton of the University of Washington School of Medicine and colleagues found that once infected, mice enter the incubation period and produce surprising resistance to certain types of bacteria. Unlike their skeptical and uninfected peers, they are even resistant to the deadly plague Yersinia pestis.
At least in mice, the latent herpes virus develops into paid tenants rather than squatters - the resistance to bacteria is their rent. The impact of the incubation period on resistance is critical, and Barton found the herpes simplex virus infection but did not provide any host to return it.
By putting the immune system in an alert state, the virus works. This effect is like proposing a terrorist alert, resulting in a stronger level of security and the body is ready to withstand any threat. The virus activates the release of cytokines at high levels. Cytokines are immune system chemicals. These molecules - counting IFN-g [interferon-gamma] and TNF-alpha [tumor necrosis factor alpha] - help coordinate defense against infection.
These chemicals trigger macrophages - white blood cells. These cell killers consume invading bacteria and digest them. They are activated in large amounts in mice infected with herpes virus in the late stage. This sequence is how the immune system protects us against various bacterial invaders. However, in Barton's study, protection was caused by a virus and lasted longer than usual. Good for mice.
What have we got from these viruses? Does it have the same effect on mice? Barton thinks so. In his study, two different strains - gHV68 [mouse gamma herpesvirus 68] and MCMV [mouse cytomegalovirus] - had similar effects. He believes that bacterial resistance is a common feature of all herpes viruses.
Orignal From: The benefits of herpes - when one infection protects another
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