Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine have revealed that the viruses - HSV-1 and HSV-2 - are mixing together, forming new versions of herpes
Oral and genital herpes viruses are ‘having sex’, a new study has warned.
Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine have revealed that the viruses - HSV-1 and HSV-2 - are mixing together, forming new versions of herpes.
HSV-1 is usually associated with oral legions, while HSV-2 typically causes genital lesions.
Dr Amanda Casto, who led the study, said: “The main implication is that HSV-1 and HSV-2 are continuing to recombine.
“This could have important implications for HSV vaccine development, because it means a live HSV-2 vaccine could recombine with circulating HSV-1 strains, thereby forming an infectious virus.”
Speaking to Live Science , Dr Alex Greninger, co-author of the study, described this as the herpes viruses ‘having sex.’
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 cause incurable, lifelong infections.
While some people with the virus show no symptoms, others develop painful legions on their mouths or genitals.
Sadly, there’s been little progress made in preventing herpes.
Dr Greninger added: “Herpes is one of the most stigmatised diseases out there, and yet it affects billions of people. We really need more work to combat this virus.”