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virology

·October 21, 2019·8 min read

Polio-like disease AFM linked to enterovirus

Researchers detected immunological remnants of enterovirus in the nervous systems of more than 12 patients with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). The findings provide the strongest evidence to date that AFM is caused by a virus. The discovery could lead to improved diagnostics for the condition and the development of a vaccine for AFM.

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·July 16, 2019·3 min read

Gut microbes protect against neurologic damage from viral infections

A healthy and diverse microbiome is essential for quickly clearing viral infections in the nervous system to prevent risks associated with multiple sclerosis. Mice with lower gut bacteria had weaker immune responses and were unable to eliminate viruses, leading to worsening paralysis. Those treated with antibiotics before infection had fewer microglia.

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·July 11, 2019·4 min read

Are the ‘viral’ agents of MS, ALS and schizophrenia buried in our genome?

Retroviruses may be a missing causal link in diseases like ALS, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia.

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·May 27, 2019·4 min read

Coat of proteins makes viruses more infectious and links them to Alzheimer’s disease

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) interact with biological fluids, creating a coat of proteins around the viral surface. This results in the viruses becoming more infectious and can contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques. In animal models, researchers found these viruses can bind to amyloid proteins, which aggregate into plaques that contribute to Alzheimer's disease. HSV-1 is able to accelerate the transformation of soluble amyloid proteins into amyloid plaques.

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·April 7, 2019·5 min read

Does herpes cause Alzheimer’s?

The herpes simplex virus 1, the virus responsible for cold sores, may account for 50% of Alzheimer's disease cases. HSV1 causes protein deposits which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Findings also reveal antiviral treatments can help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's in those with HSV1.

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·January 9, 2019·5 min read

Schizophrenia Linked to Abnormal Immune Response to Herpes Virus that Causes Mono

A new study reports people with schizophrenia have higher levels of antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus that causes mononucleosis. Researchers propose two explanations for the link to the heightened immune response to the virus: schizophrenia may alter the immune system, making patients more susceptible to EBV, or EBV may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.

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·November 27, 2018·5 min read

How Ancient Virus Got Cannabis High

Researchers provide the first cannabis chromosome map, revealing ancient viruses contributed to the evolution of marijuana.

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·October 19, 2018·5 min read

Does Herpes Cause Alzheimer’s?

A new study looks at the possible causal link between the herpes virus and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers report antiviral drugs significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia in patients with severe herpes infections.

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·October 9, 2018·5 min read

Blood Viruses Lead to Digestive Problems

WUSTL researchers report viruses such as West Nile and Zika can kill neurons in the gut, disrupting bowel movements and causing intestinal blockages.

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·July 2, 2018·4 min read

CMV Virus May Boost Our Immune System

Researchers report the cytomegalovirus may actually boost, not weaken, our immune systems.

a brain with a drawing of a viral vector on top

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·June 21, 2018·10 min read

Viral Connection to Alzheimer’s: Herpes Virus Implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers provide evidence that certain species of human herpesvirus contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The study reports high levels of human herpesvirus 6A and 7 were found in brain samples showing signs of Alzheimer's neuropathology. The findings offer hints of the viral mechanisms that could trigger or exacerbate AD.