Nasal Herpes Infection: Unveiling Hidden Neurological Risks

University of Illinois Chicago researchers have discovered that herpes infection through the nose can lead to severe neurological consequences such as anxiety, motor impairment, and cognitive issues. This groundbreaking study emphasizes the need for preventative measures and treatment options for a virus affecting billions worldwide.

New research from the University of Illinois Chicago reveals worrying neurological effects stemming from nasal herpes infections. By ingeniously exploiting a cellular enzyme, the virus causes symptoms ranging from anxiety to cognitive dysfunction, highlighting the critical need for preventive strategies.

The study, published in the journal mBio, is spearheaded by Deepak Shukla from the College of Medicine. Shukla's team previously explored this virus's movement from the eye to the brain, potentially leading to severe conditions like blindness and encephalitis.

The latest research examines the intranasal route, where viral entry through the nose grants the virus immediate access to the nervous system. Experiments on animals showed alarming levels of inflammation and nerve damage days after infection, resulting in prolonged anxiety and motor issues, akin to decades of human life.

By focusing on the enzyme heparanase, known for its role in virus reinfection, the researchers discovered that its deactivation reduced neurobehavioral issues. This important finding opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions to counteract neuroinflammation and minimize brain injury caused by herpes simplex virus-1.

Herpes simplex virus-1 is rampant, affecting two-thirds of the global population according to WHO estimates. The research team, including Chandrashekhar Patil and Tibor Valyi-Nagy, stresses heightened awareness and enhanced treatment approaches as essential steps forward in managing this lifelong infection.

(With inputs from agencies.)