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Bell's palsy: Study calls for rethink of cause and treatment

October 6, 2009

Drugs widely prescribed to treat facial paralysis in Bell's palsy are ineffective and are based on false notions of the cause of the condition, according to Cochrane Researchers. They say research must now focus on discovering other potential causes and treatments.

Scientists identify genetic cause of previously undefined primary immune deficiency disease

September 24, 2009

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a genetic mutation that accounts for a perplexing condition found in people with an inherited immunodeficiency.

Study evaluates use of corticosteroids and antiviral agents for treatment of Bell Palsy

September 1, 2009

Among patients with Bell Palsy, a facial paralysis with unknown cause, treatment with corticosteroids is associated with a reduced risk of an unsatisfactory recovery, and treatment with a combination of corticosteroids and antiviral agents may be associated with additional benefit, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of previously published studies, reported in the September 2 is

Scientists learn why even treated genital herpes sores boost the risk of HIV infection

August 2, 2009

New research helps explain why infection with herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes, increases the risk for HIV infection even after successful treatment heals the genital skin sores and breaks that often result from HSV-2.

UCSF researchers identify new drug target for Kaposi's sarcoma

July 30, 2009

UCSF researchers have identified a new potential drug target for the herpes virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma, re-opening the possibility of using the class of drugs called protease inhibitors against the full herpes family of viruses, which for 20 years has been deemed too difficult to attain.

Clue to normal-tension glaucoma; herpes infection and corneal transplants

June 30, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO, CA---The July issue of Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, includes two studies that may influence clinical treatment of serious eye conditions.

Study characterizes eczema patients most at risk for dangerous viral infections

June 25, 2009

Eczema patients at risk for serious viral infections have more severe disease, are more likely to be allergic to food and other allergens, and have a frequent history of staph infections, according to researchers at National Jewish Health and other institutions in the NIH-funded Atopic Dermatitis Vaccinia Network.

Herpes medication does not reduce risk of HIV transmission

May 8, 2009

A recently completed international multi-center clinical trial has found that acyclovir, a drug widely used as a safe and effective treatment to suppress herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), which is the most common cause of genital herpes, does not reduce the risk of HIV transmission when taken by people infected with both HIV and HSV-2.

Not just a long-distance relationship: Immune cells in skin fight off infection better than the rest

April 7, 2009

Scientists at the University of Melbourne have discovered the local action of immune cells in the skin, which could improve treatment of viral skin infections.

This work identifies previously unrecognised first-line defence mechanisms that are particularly important in barrier locations such as the skin and the gut, often used as portals of entry by viruses and bacteria.

VAI study rules out transcriptional coactivators as useful herpes antiviral drug targets

March 25, 2009

Grand Rapids, Mich. (March 25, 2009) - Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) have determined that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) does not require transcriptional coactivators for viral gene expression early in the infection process.

Topical Microbicide Offers Long-Lasting Protection Against Genital Herpes

January 22, 2009

A topical microbicide that silences two genes can safely protect against genital herpes infection for as long as one week.

Research holds promise for herpes vaccine

October 13, 2006

A study by a Montana State University researcher suggests a new avenue for developing a vaccine against genital herpes and other diseases caused by herpes simplex viruses.

Screening for Genital Herpes Should be Targeted

December 10, 2004

Identifying asymptomatic people with genital herpes infection through targeted screening of high-risk groups may prevent disease transmission. However, widespread screening of pregnant women is unlikely to reduce the occurrence of herpes in newborns, according to an article in the January 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infects more than one-fifth of the United States population, but about 90 percent of those people are unaware that they are infected, since most do not experience any symptoms.

Herpes Virus Offers New Hope in Curing Cancer

December 2, 2004

In laboratory studies at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, researchers have successfully treated the most common malignant abdominal tumor of childhood: neuroblastoma tumors. Researchers successfully treated the tumor in mouse models by administering a treatment based on a weakened version of the herpes simplex virus.

Herpes research uncovers possible clue to Alzheimer's disease

November 8, 2003

Researchers at Brown University and the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, Mass., have found a physical connection between the herpes simplex virus and amyloid precursor protein, a protein that breaks down to form a major component of the amyloid plaques that are consistently present in the brains of persons with Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid precursor protein ? or APP ? breaks down to form beta-amyloid. There is strong evidence, according to the researchers, that beta-amyloid is the underlying cause of Alzheimer's.



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