Opportunistic etiological agents causing lung infections: emerging need to transform lung-targeted delivery

A Viral Gene Drive Could Offer A New Approach To Fighting Herpes

Meghan Rosen is a staff writer who reports on the life sciences for Science News. She earned a Ph.D. In biochemistry and molecular biology with an emphasis in biotechnology from the University of California, Davis, and later graduated from the science communication program at UC Santa Cruz.

Navigating Intimacy When Your Partner Has Herpes

Herpes, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, often goes undetected, leaving many unknowingly carrying the virus. For those in relationships where one partner has herpes, understanding the nuances of transmission and protection is crucial. This knowledge empowers couples to maintain healthy, supportive relationships while minimizing the risk of infection.

The herpes basics

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) comes in two forms: HSV-1, typically associated with oral herpes, and HSV-2, usually linked to genital herpes. However, both types can affect either area through oral or sexual contact. The virus spreads via direct contact with infected areas or bodily fluids, making intimate moments potentially risky.

Transmission: More than meets the eye

The silent spread

Herpes can transmit even when no symptoms are visible, a phenomenon known as "viral shedding." This random occurrence explains why the virus often spreads unknowingly. Asymptomatic carriers – those without typical signs like sores or blisters – can still pass on the virus.

Recognizing the signs

Herpes symptoms can be subtle, leading to frequent misdiagnosis. Common indicators include:

Painful sores or blisters in genital or oral areas

Itching or burning sensations

Flu-like symptoms during initial outbreaks

Some may mistake mild symptoms for other conditions, like ingrown hairs or razor burn, inadvertently increasing the risk of transmission.

Protection strategies

While complete prevention is challenging, several measures can significantly reduce transmission risk:

Barrier methods

Consistent use of condoms or dental dams, while not foolproof, can substantially lower transmission rates by covering high-risk areas.

Outbreak awareness

Avoiding sexual contact during visible outbreaks is crucial, as this is when the virus is most contagious.

Medical interventions

Antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir can reduce outbreak frequency and viral shedding, lowering transmission risk when taken regularly.

Open dialogue

Frank discussions about concerns, boundaries, and sexual activity are essential for reducing stress and preventing transmission. Both partners should feel comfortable addressing herpes-related issues.

Emotional impact and relationship dynamics

Learning of a partner's herpes diagnosis can trigger a range of emotions, from fear to confusion. It's natural to worry about personal health and the relationship's future. However, with proper precautions, herpes need not define a couple's intimate life or overall connection.

Maintaining emotional intimacy is crucial. Remember, herpes doesn't change a person's core identity or feelings. Through open communication and mutual understanding, couples can strengthen trust and navigate this aspect of their relationship together.

Living with herpes: A manageable reality

While herpes has no cure, millions live with the virus without significant life disruption. Often, the initial outbreak is the most severe, with subsequent episodes becoming less intense and frequent over time.

Many develop effective routines for managing outbreaks, incorporating antiviral medications and lifestyle adjustments. These steps can significantly reduce transmission risk, allowing couples to enjoy healthy relationships.

Testing and diagnosis

If one partner has herpes, testing is advisable for the other, even without apparent symptoms. Herpes tests typically involve blood analysis or swabbing active sores. Early detection enables informed health decisions and appropriate precautions.

Knowing one's status can alleviate anxiety surrounding herpes. A positive diagnosis allows for developing a management plan with healthcare providers, including treatment options and lifestyle modifications supporting overall well-being.

Long-term outlook

While a herpes diagnosis may necessitate some lifestyle adjustments, it need not define a relationship. Many couples successfully manage herpes while maintaining intimacy and trust. By staying informed, communicating openly, and implementing protective measures, couples can minimize transmission risk and continue building strong, supportive relationships.

Final thoughts

Herpes, though common, remains manageable with proper precautions. For couples navigating this challenge, understanding transmission, protection methods, and open communication are key to preventing spread and fortifying their bond. By prioritizing education, prevention, and emotional support, partners can face this challenge united.

Knowledge remains the most powerful tool in protecting both partners' health. Armed with accurate information, couples can make informed choices and continue nurturing strong, healthy partnerships despite the presence of herpes.

This story was created using AI technology.

Study Helps Understand Pain Associated With Viral Infection

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The researchers aim to develop treatments that avoid pain without affecting the immune system

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Credit: Thiago Mattar Cunha/USP

An article published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity reports the findings of a study by researchers based in Brazil, the United States and South Korea who set out to understand how viral infections cause pain and to contribute to the search for novel ways of relieving it. The article shows that a channel known to mediate pain can be activated when an immune system sensor known as STING (stimulator of interferon genes) recognizes certain nucleic acids, such as viral DNA. STING is a key component of the innate immune system present in nociceptors, nerve cell endings that initiate the sensation of pain.

The researchers analyzed mice infected with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), a close relative of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox and shingles. They concluded that removing STING from nociceptors resulted in a significant reduction in pain without affecting inflammation or viral load. 

The scientists believe the discovery that the STING signaling pathway is directly linked to pain, independently of inflammation, may also apply to other viral and bacterial infections, including COVID-19. Research showing pain-inducing interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and STING has recently been reported.

Pain is often one of the first symptoms of infection, but the processes by which it is induced are poorly understood. Immune cells normally recognize viral nucleic acids, which activate receptors and viral signaling, triggering an immune response. These receptors and viral signals are present in nociceptors. 

"We show in this article that recognition of parts of the virus, probably DNA, by STING is involved in the process of pain induction. At least part of the process appears to be directly linked to neuron activation and not to inflammation. This opens up various perspectives. The main question now is whether it can make the individual more susceptible," Thiago Mattar Cunha, co-corresponding author of the article, told Agência FAPESP. Cunha is a professor at the University of São Paulo's Ribeirão Preto Medical School (FMRP-USP) in Brazil. The other corresponding author is Temugin Berta, associate professor at the University of Cincinatti's College of Medicine in the United States.

Cunha explained that the group's focus is on the role of this mechanism in protecting the subject against infection in order to develop therapeutic strategies that avoid pain without affecting the immune system. 

"Pain has always been associated with the inflammatory process, but in the last decade a new concept has emerged in the scientific literature, suggesting that microorganisms – bacteria and fungi – can activate it by means of their 'products'. More recently, research has found evidence that viruses can activate nociceptive neurons by expressing certain receptors, such as STING. We decided to explore this pathway," said Cunha, who is a member of the Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), a Research, Innovation and Diffusion Center (RIDC) funded by FAPESP.

In 2017, Cunha co-authored an article published in the Journal of Neuroscience showing that immune mechanisms triggered by VZV, when reactivated, alter the functioning of sensory neurons and result in herpetic neuralgia (read more at: agencia.Fapesp.Br/25844).

At the time, one of the contributions of the research performed at CRID was validation of an animal model for studying the molecular mechanisms involved in herpetic neuralgia, also used in the research described by this latest article. Because VZV does not infect mice, the group used HSV-1, a related microorganism that can cause oral and genital skin lesions in humans. 

Chickenpox, a highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin, is a typical childhood illness. It is benign in most cases, but VZV, its causative agent, remains in the organism forever and can be reactivated years later, causing shingles (which frequently afflicts people with HIV/AIDS).

Brazil does not hold consistent data on the incidence of chickenpox, since notification is mandatory only for severe cases requiring hospitalization and deaths from the disease. However, the number of new cases per year is about 3 million, according to the Health Ministry's estimates. An epidemiological analysis conducted in May 2024 found that 25,605 people were hospitalized for VZV infections between 2013 and 2023 and that 26% were aged 70-79. 

Process

Activation of STING traditionally "recruits" the protein TBK1, which induces production of interferons, molecules essential to the immune response. The study showed, however, that inhibition of TBK1 reduced pain, while blocking of interferons had no effect, suggesting that STING can trigger pain via separate and independent pathways.

The study also showed that activation of STING activated the TRPV1 ion channel, leading to nociceptor depolarization. This post-transcriptional mechanism is also a new discovery over and above what was already known about STING signaling.

About São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is a public institution with the mission of supporting scientific research in all fields of knowledge by awarding scholarships, fellowships and grants to investigators linked with higher education and research institutions in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. FAPESP is aware that the very best research can only be done by working with the best researchers internationally. Therefore, it has established partnerships with funding agencies, higher education, private companies, and research organizations in other countries known for the quality of their research and has been encouraging scientists funded by its grants to further develop their international collaboration. You can learn more about FAPESP at www.Fapesp.Br/en and visit FAPESP news agency at www.Agencia.Fapesp.Br/en to keep updated with the latest scientific breakthroughs FAPESP helps achieve through its many programs, awards and research centers. You may also subscribe to FAPESP news agency at http://agencia.Fapesp.Br/subscribe.

Journal

Brain Behavior and Immunity

Article Title

STING recognition of viral dsDNA by nociceptors mediates pain in mice

Article Publication Date

22-Jul-2024

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