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Understanding the Herpes Virus at the Cell Level

The word "herpes" conjures up different identified over 115 different
images for different people. Some see herpesviruses and have found more than 50
herpes as an ugly and annoying cold sore different animal species that can be
or blister that periodically appears on infected with some type of herpes virus.
or around the lips. Others see herpes as Humans appear to be a natural reservoir
a feared sexually transmitted disease for at least 8 different types of the
that, once you have contracted, you have herpes viruses that normally spread from
to suffer with for the rest of your life. human to human and generally do not cause
Of course both of these images do disease in other animals.Coming in
represent the term "herpes" quite contact with the virus, usually through
accurately for many people throughout the sexual intercourse, is the first in a
world, but medically speaking herpes is complex series of events that result in
also appropriately applied to several contracting genital herpes. Projecting
lesser known afflictions. These from the outer surface of the herpes
conditions include herpes inside the virus are protein-carbohydrate structures
mouth (herpes gingivostomatitis), herpes called glycoproteins. Glycoproteins allow
of the throat (herpes pharyngitis), the virus to attach initially to
herpes of the eye (herpes keratitis), proteoglycans, which are complex chemical
herpes of the brain (herpes structures present on the surface of
encephalitis), herpes transmitted to living cells. After attaching to the host
newborn infants (neonatal herpes), cell, glycopoteins then interact with the
chickenpox (varicella-zoster), mono cells surface structures to trigger
(mononucleosis) and shingles changes in the cell membranes
(herpes-zoster). All of these conditions cytoskeletal structure. These changes
are caused by one of the two closely allow the viral envelope to fuse with the
related herpes viruses known as herpes cell plasma membrane, essentially merging
simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex to form a changed cell. When this fusion
virus type 2.To truly understand the occurs, the nucleocapsid of the herpes
herpes virus it is helpful to first gain virus enters into the cytoplasm of the
some knowledge about viruses in general. host cell, attaching tiny skeleton-like
Viruses are the smallest known microbes, structures known as microtubules and
or infectious agents, that medical microfilaments which form an internal
science has discovered to date. Most transportation network used to move
viruses consist of a nucleic acid materials within the cell. Using this
surrounded by a protein coat known as a structure the DNA of the herpes virus
capsid; this nucleic acid-protein complex enters the nucleus of the host cell where
is referred to as a nucleocapsid. In more it makes copies of the viral DNA which
complex viruses, such as the herpes are released from the cell and spread to
virus, the nucleocapsid is surrounded by and infect other surrounding cells. This
a membrane-like structure containing process of generating new virus particles
carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. This kills the infected host cell.If the
membrane-like structure is referred to as herpes virus remained in the skins cells
an envelope. Each virus contains one of where initial viral attachment occurs,
two large complex chemicals that contain chances are that a healthy immune system
the viruses genetic code which serves as could eventually control the infection
a blueprint for making more viruses. This and rid the body of the virus. The herpes
complex chemical code is either RNA virus however has found a way to hide
(ribonucleic acid) or DNA from the immune system by hibernating in
(deozyribonucleic acid).Unlike bacteria nerve cells. For unknown reasons the
and more complex organisms, viruses do herpes virus does not start the
not carry all the equipment necessary to replicating process in a select number of
reproduce themselves. In order to nerve cells, instead hibernating and
multiply, a virus must enter a living establishing a latent infection. When the
cell, remove the cells protein coat and herpes virus is hybernating it is in an
then use its RNA or DNA to redirect the inactive state and can not be detected by
cells synthesizing mechanism to make more the immune system. This inactive state is
copies of the virus. This process of referred to as latent infection or simply
making new viruses can actually destroy latency. Latency does not cause illness
or injure the living or 'host' cell. If but unfortunately the latent virus can
enough living host cells are injured or reactivate and produce more virus which,
destroyed it results in a viral illness in turn, causes recurrent herpes.How
such as influenza (the flu), viral reactivation occurs is unknown but it can
diarrhea or genital herpes. There are happen for no apparent reason or be
hundreds of known viruses and probably triggered by trauma, stress, or exposure
thousands of others not yet discovered. to ultraviolet radiation such as too much
Each virus has adapted to infect a sunlight. Whatever the trigger, after
particular type of cell in a specific reactivation, the herpes virus is
living organism which explains why there transported from the nerve cell body to
are so many types of viruses. Because the nerve endings where it is released
they have become so specialized some into the skin to replicate in the skin
viruses can only infect certain types of cells. This replication may sometimes
cells, for instance, liver cells or cause full blown herpes sores outbreaks,
muscle cells or brain cells while leaving but other times may result in "shedding"
other cells alone. Likewise, many viruses the virus which causes no recognizable
are even limited to the type of species symptoms. However, either way, whether
they can infect. In general, this usually this reactivation is symptomatic or
means that viruses which infect cells in asyptomatic, the person is contagious
one type of animal, say a dog, can not be during this reactivation period and it is
passed on to another type of animal, say possible to pass on the virus to a
a cat. Of course as with most rules, partner. For this reason, experts
there are exceptions and some viruses can recommend that people with genital herpes
cause similar diseases in closely related use condoms even when there is no obvious
species. Another exception is that symptoms of an active herpes
sometimes viruses can cause also cause breakout.John Trout is an internet
very different illnesses in the same research specialist and web master of
species.The term "herpesvirus" refers to several information related websites
any member of the herpes simplex type 1 including: where this article was first
and herpes simplex type 2 virus family. published. This informative website is an
The necleocapsid of a herpes virus is excellent source for a sound education
surrounded by an envelope with spike-like about the herpes virus as well as the
structures projecting from the surface latest news about treatments and a
and contains DNA. So far, scientist have possible herpes cure.




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