herpes
Transneuronal labeling in hamster brainstem following lingual injections with herpes simplex virus-1.

Travers JB, Montgomery N, Sheridan J.

College of Dentistry, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.

Brainstem projections to hypoglossal motoneurons innervating the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue were determined using the transneuronal transfer of Herpes simplex virus-1. Injections of Herpes simplex virus-1 into the intrinsic muscles of the anterior tongue, the geniohyoid and styloglossus muscles each produced specific patterns of label within the hypoglossal nucleus that corresponded closely to the distributions of retrogradely labeled neurons produced by similar injections of horseradish peroxidase. With relatively short survival times, Herpes simplex virus-1 injections further labeled neurons in both the brainstem reticular formation lateral to the hypoglossal nucleus and in the nucleus of the solitary tract. Intrinsic lingual muscles injections of Herpes simplex virus-1 labeled reticular formation neurons distributed laterally along the entire anterior-posterior length of hypoglossal nucleus. In contrast, labeled reticular formation neurons in the immediate vicinity of the hypoglossal nucleus following extrinsic muscles injections, were located lateral to intermediate and anterior levels of hypoglossal nucleus. Thus, despite extensive areas of overlap, there was evidence for a differential distribution of pre-hypoglossal reticular formation neurons along the anterior-posterior axis associated with different lingual injections. Most of the overlap occurred anteriorly, at a level where the nucleus of the solitary tract abuts the fourth ventricle. The potential importance of this area is lingual integrative function was further suggested by camera lucida reconstructions that showed overlapping dendritic fields of labeled neurons in the reticular formation and nucleus of the solitary tract. The dendritic fields of other labeled neurons located more rostral and lateral in the reticular formation sometimes extended into the rostral (gustatory) nucleus of the solitary tract and spinal trigeminal nuclei, suggesting possible multisynaptic pathways through which tactile and gustatory information might influence hypoglossal nucleus. Not all injections of Herpes simplex virus-1 produced label in the hypoglossal nucleus. Some injections into the anterior tongue labeled neurons in the reticular formation near the exiting facial nerve, a region containing populations of preganglionic parasympathetic neurons. Other injections, particularly into the extrinsic lingual muscles, labeled brainstem neurons associated with the sympathetic nervous system, e.g. nuclei raphe magnus and pallidus, the rostral ventrolateral reticular formation, and neurons in the A5 region. These patterns of labeled neurons within the brainstem are suggestive of a differential autonomic innervation of the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8545000&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
Molecular evolution of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV; gallid herpes virus 1): an ancient example of the Alphaherpesviridae?

Johnson MA, Tyack SG.

CSIRO Division of Animal Health, Animal Health Research Laboratory, Parkville Vic, Australia.

An analysis of two essential genes of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), glycoprotein D (gD) and the immediate early gene, herpes simplex virus homologue ICP27, was performed with the equivalent gene homologues from several alphaherpes viruses. Amino acid (aa) sequence analysis revealed that these ILTV genes shared limited homology to other alphaherpes virus equivalents and were distinct from the two other avian herpes viruses, Marek's disease virus (MDV) and herpes virus of turkeys (HVT). Simplex and varicella group viruses are clearly separate from the avian group. The amino acid sequences of these ILTV genes will be presented with comparisons to the homologues from other alphaherpes viruses, contributing further evidence of the evolution of this group of viruses from a common progenitor and that ILTV could be an ancient example of the Alphaherpesvirinae.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8545960&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
Characterization of phocid herpes virus-1 and -2 as putative alpha- and gammaherpes viruses of North American and European pinnipeds.

Harder TC, Harder M, Vos H, Kulonen K, Kennedy-Stoskopf S, Liess B, Appel MJ, Osterhaus AD.

Department of Virology, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

To study the relationships between herpes virus recently isolated from different pinniped species, antigenic and genetic analyses were performed. First, herpes viruses isolated from North American harbour seals (Phoca vitulina), a Californian sea lion (Zalophus californianus) and a European grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) were examined in an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with a panel of monoclonal antibodies which had previously been shown to allow typing of herpes viruses from European harbour seals into two distinct virus types: phocid herpes virus type-1 and type-2 (PhHV-1 and PhHV-2). The EIA data showed that all but one of the isolates from seals ranging in United States coastal waters were PhHV-2-like while the European grey seal herpes virus was PhHV-1-like. Genetic characterization was facilitated by PCR analysis using primers based on conserved regions of the glycoprotein B and D (gB and gD) genes of the antigenically closely related canid (CHV) and felid (FHV) herpes virus. Specific amplified products were obtained with five isolates antigenically characterized as PhHV-1-like but not with five PhHV-2-like isolates. Sequence analysis of the PCR products confirmed greatest similarity to members of the genus Varicellovirus of the Alphaherpesvirinae and in particular to CHV. Sequence analysis of two EcoRI fragments of the PhHV-2 genome (European isolate 7848) revealed greatest similarity to gammaherpes viruses and in particular equine herpes virus-2. Although an unambiguous subgrouping was not feasible, this is the first evidence that PhHV-2 may be a putative gammaherpes virus of pinnipeds.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8558126&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
N-terminal sequence analysis of equine herpes virus 1 glycoproteins D and B and evidence for internal cleavage of the gene 71 product.

Wellington JE, Gooley AA, Love DN, Whalley JM.

School of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Signal cleavage sites of equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1) glycoproteins D and B (gD and gB) and an endoproteolytic cleavage site of EHV-1 gB were determined by N-terminal amino acid sequencing and compared with known cleavage sites of homologues in other herpes virus. Signal cleavage of EHV-1 gD occurred between Arg35 and Ala36 in a region of basic amino acids resembling the endoproteolytic cleavage sites of viral glycoproteins, nine amino acids downstream of the predicted site, while EHV-1 gB was cleaved as predicted between Ala85 and Val86. Endoproteolytic cleavage of EHV-1 gB occurred between Arg548 and Ala549, 28 amino acids downstream of the cleavage site predicted from conserved sequences of other herpes virus gB homologous. One interpretation of these data is that EHV-1 gB is cleaved internally at both sites, a possibility which was supported by the apparent molecular masses of the unglycosylated gB subunits produced in the presence of tunicamycin. This double cleavage would release a stretch of amino acids which is not present in sequenced gB molecules of other herpes viruses. Experiments with glycosylation inhibitors indicated that cleavage of EHV-1 gB can occur in the absence of glycosylation. N-terminal sequencing also determined that a 42 kDa EHV-1 glycoprotein was a product of internal cleavage of the protein encoded by gene 71. Staggered endoproteolytic cleavage after adjacent arginine residues 506 and 507 separates the 42 kDa C-terminal subunit containing all the cysteine residues from the serine and threonine rich N-terminal region.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8558130&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
The high prevalence of genital herpes among patients with genital ulcer disease in Uganda.

Kamya MR, Nsubuga P, Grant RM, Hellman N.

Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Genital ulcer disease is a risk factor for transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. One-hundred consecutive Ugandan patients (median age, 25 years) with genital ulcer disease were examined to determine the prevalence of genital herpes and its relationship to human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity. GOAL OF THIS STUDY: To improve management, prevention, and control of genital ulcer disease, thus reducing human immunodeficiency virus infections attributable to genital ulcer disease. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prevalence study of genital herpes in a consecutive sample of an urban sexually transmitted disease clinic population. RESULTS: Forty-nine percent (48/98) of the patients had genital herpes (36% by direct fluorescent antigen and 13% by history of recurrent vesicles). There was a trend toward larger lesions in patients who were human immunodeficiency virus seropositive. Twelve percent (11/89) of patients had syphilis, and 30% (30/100) remained sexually active, despite the presence of active genital ulcer disease. Sixty-five percent of 89 patients tested had antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus. CONCLUSIONS: Genital herpes is a common cause of genital ulcer disease in patients attending sexually transmitted disease clinics in Uganda, and herpes ulcers may be more extensive among those who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8578407&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
Th1/Th2-like immunity and resistance to herpes simplex labialis.

Spruance SL, Evans TG, McKeough MB, Thai L, Araneo BA, Daynes RA, Mishkin EM, Abramovitz AS.

Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.

To investigate potential immunologic mechanisms of resistance to recurrent herpes simplex labialis, we assayed serum antibody titers and cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cytokine production among patients with a history of frequent episodes (H+S+), herpes simplex virus (HSV)-seropositive individuals without a history of herpes labialis (H-S+) and HSV-seronegative persons (H-S-). In addition, H+S+ patients were exposed to experimental ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the lips and the immunologic assay results compared among those who developed experimental lesions and those who did not. H+S+ patients were found to have higher median serum titers of HSV antibody and trends to lower levels of HSV-specific PBMC IFN-gamma and IL-2 than H-S+ control patients (123 vs 66, P = 0.04; 424 vs 548 pg/ml, P = 0.08; 14 vs 26 pg/ml, P = 0.14, respectively). Correlation of the results with the occurrence of experimental lesions showed the inverse: the subgroup of H+S+ patients with UVR-induced lesions had lower titers of antibody and trends to higher levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 than H+S+ patients who could not be induced (93 vs 149, P = 0.02; 501 vs 347 pg/ml, P = NS; 26 vs 11 pg/ml, P = NS, respectively). The size and duration of UVR-induced lesions showed positive correlations with IFN-gamma and IL-2 levels (r = 0.60-0.67, P = 0.02-0.04). Although the small number of patients limited the power of this study, the overall pattern of the findings suggests that a Th1-like cytokine response (IFN-gamma and IL-2 production) may be associated with resistance to naturally occurring episodes of herpes labialis. The development and severity of experimental UVR-induced herpes labialis appears to be regulated differently and may involve an immunopathologic mechanism.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8585759&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
Susceptibility to herpes labialis following multiple experimental exposures to ultraviolet radiation.

Spruance SL, Kriesel JD, Evans TG, McKeough MB.

Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.

We studied susceptibility to herpes labialis by exposing 20 volunteers to experimental ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on three occasions at 3- to 4-month intervals. The number of patients who developed lesions after each session was 9/20 (45%), 9/20 (45%) and 14/20 (70%). Herpes simplex virus (HSV) was isolated from 21/29 (72%) of lesions sampled. Three patients never developed a lesion, 13 developed lesions on one or two of the three occasions, and 4 patients had a lesion following all three sessions. Seven of 33 (21%) lesions were 'immediate' lesions (developed within 48 h) and the others developed 3-7 days after UVR exposure (delayed lesions). Development of lesions correlated with historical susceptibility to sun-induced herpes labialis, but not with age, sex, years with herpes labialis, frequency of herpes labialis from all causes, or concurrent serum levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, progesterone or alpha 1-antitrypsin. Among normally menstruating females, a significant association was identified between the development of herpes labialis and the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (8 cases of herpes labialis/11 attempts, RR = 14, P = 0.005). The lack of correlation between episodes of natural herpes labialis and susceptibility to experimental UVR-induced disease suggests that these events are controlled differently. The results of serial attempts to induce experimental herpes in each patient was most commonly inconsistent, indicating that individual patient susceptibility to UVR varies over time. While the explanation for this variation remains unclear, stages of the menstrual cycle may be important among women.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8585760&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine



herpes
[Sexually transmitted diseases and the HIV/AIDS epidemic]

[Article in Spanish]

Valdespino-Gomez JL, Garcia-Garcia Mde L, del Rio-Chiriboga C, Cruz-Palacios C, Loo-Mendez E, Lopez-Sotelo A.

Instituto Nacional de Diagnostico y Referencia Epidemiologicos (INDRE)/Comite de Epidemiologia, Consejo Nacional de Prevencion y Control del SIDA (CONASIDA), Mexico.

Studies on sexually transmitted diseases (STD) during the previous years in Mexico are discussed. The information sources were: a) Surveys among commercial sex workers. Since 1990, 1,386 women have been studied in four federal states through structured questionnaires and laboratory tests. Prevalence of different STD's has been significant (syphilis (VDRL, FTA-abs) 23.7%; chlamydiosis (Ag IF) 12.9%; gonorrhea (Ag, ELISA) 11.5%; anti-HBs 11.0%; herpes 1,2 (IgM) 9.3%, HBsAg 5.7%. Frequency of HIV (ELISA, Western blot) has been low; 0.5%. In 1994, 662 women were studied in Mexico City, with different laboratory techniques for chlamydiosis and gonorrhea (culture), hepatitis B (anticore antibodies) and herpes (total antibodies) with the following results: syphilis 1.5-12%; chlamydiosis 10.8-11.7%; gonorrhea 0-5.9%; hepatitis B 0-7.1%; herpes 44.7-78%; and HIV 0-1.4%. b) Surveys among men with homosexual and bisexual practices. 325 subjects have been studied in three federal states using methods similar to those of the 1990 survey. Contrasting with results among women, HIV prevalence was found to be high; (18.8%), and considerable for other STD's: anti-HBsAg 28.6%, syphilis 34.9%, recent herpes 10.9%, HBsAg 5.0%, chlamydiosis (Ag, IF) 4.3%, herpes simplex 1,2 (Ag, IF) 4.7%, gonorrhea (Ag, ELISA) 2.8%. c) Patient clinical studies. The clinical interrelationship between different STD and HIV infection has been studied; clinical differences are described between patients with condylomata or syphilis depending on HIV serostatus. Implications of the interrelationship between different STD's and HIV infection for the prevention and control of these diseases are discussed.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8599129&dopt=Abstract herpes medicine