Research holds promise for herpes vaccine

BOZEMAN, Mont., Oct. 16 (UPI) -- A U.S. researcher is suggesting a new avenue for developing a vaccine against genital herpes and other diseases caused by herpes simplex viruses.

Montana State University virologist William Halford said mice vaccinated with a live, genetically-modified herpes simplex virus type 1 showed no signs of disease 30 days after being exposed to a particularly lethal "wild-type" strain of the virus.

In contrast, a second group of mice that received a more conventional vaccine died within six days.

"We have a clear roadmap for producing an effective live vaccine against genital herpes," said Halford, who works in MSU's department of veterinary molecular biology. "Although my studies were performed with HSV-1, the implications for HSV-2-induced genital herpes are clear. Overall the two viruses are about 99 percent genetically identical."

Halford said he hopes to find a commercial partner or secure government funding to advance his research toward a human vaccine.

"I'd like to take this concept from the chalkboard to the clinics," he said.

About 55 million Americans carry herpes simplex virus type 2, which causes genital herpes. Infection is lifelong.

The study appeared earlier this year in the Virology Journal.

 Related Images
 Related Polls
 Related Trivia
 Celebrity Gossip

State, University, William, Halford, MSU,
US, HERPES, living entertainment misc, tw health misc, Living,