Chronic intestinal problems may indicate genital herpes

Researchers discover important link between intestinal problems and genital herpes
Most people have ever had constipation or other digestive problems in their lives. That's nothing unusual. Researchers have now discovered that there is a surprising link between sexually transmitted herpes and constipation. Chronic digestive problems could thus be the symptoms of herpes.

Increased blockages are generally a possible sign of other serious illnesses. Scientists from the internationally acclaimed Yale University have now found out in an investigation that they may also be a symptom of herpes. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Cell Host and Microbe".

Surely you have already seen a person with a herpes disease. But there is also a form of herpes that you can not immediately look at every patient. We are talking about so-called genital herpes. Researchers now found a close connection between genital herpes and digestive problems. (Image: kopitinphoto / fotolia.com)

Ten to 30 percent of the world's population suffers from genital herpes
There is a special form of herpes that spreads from our genitals to the nerves in the spinal cord. So-called genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide, say the experts. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2) infections may also be the cause of genital herpes, as is herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1). About ten to 30 percent of people in the world are inifziert with so-called genital herpes. The disease is a painful, uncomfortable and distressing condition, the researchers report.

The herpes simplex virus type 2 is related to the common type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV 1). This mainly causes cold sores, say the medics. A disease that occurs very often. Although numerous natural home remedies for herpes and classic medicines are available, but the cold sores can also be an extremely annoying disease. Even more unpleasant for most sufferers allerdins is a genital herpes.

The researchers from Yale University were very surprised when they found a link between intestinal problems and the sexually transmitted infection in their current study. Lead author Professor Akiko Iwasaki reports on the results of the investigation in a press release from the university.

Symptoms of genital herpes
Constipation and the inability to empty our bladder have been identified as symptoms of the disease, the researchers explain. Because the doctors could not determine the cause of the chronic indigestion, they searched for a viral infection. So far, however, scientists have failed to understand why blockages are linked to herpes.

Herpes virus destroys the neurons of the colon
The researchers led by Professor Akiko Iwasaki studied models with experimental mice. These were infected with the herpes simplex virus-1, the leading cause of genital herpes in the United States. They found out that the herpes virus spreads from the genitals to the nerves in the spinal cord. From there, he then goes on to the neurons of the colon and begins to kill them, the experts report.

Other herpesviruses have been found in the colon of people with constipation
Damage to the neurons in our intestinal wall by the herpes simplex virus-1 prevents the movement of food along the digestive tract, explain the researchers. The changes of the colon (small intestine) can lead to further complaints. The most important finding is that it comes in the neurons of the intestinal wall after a herpes infection to an unexpected infection, says Professor Akiko Iwasaki. Other members of the herpesvirus family, including the so-called Epstein-Barr virus, chickenpox virus and cytomegalovirus, have also been found in the colon neurons of people with unexplained chronic constipation, the professor adds.

Genital herpes is transmitted through vaginal, oral and anal sex
So-called genital herpes is a common infection and most people do not know about their condition. The sexually transmitted disease (STD) is caused by two types of viruses, herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2. The disease is transmitted by vaginal, oral or anal sex, say the doctors. Liquids released from herpes can carry the virus and contact with the fluid can cause infection, the experts warn.

Many sufferers themselves know nothing about their illness
It is also possible to receive the virus from an infected sexual partner who has no visible signs of herpes. Often such persons themselves do not know that they carry this disease in themselves. In the United States alone, one in six people between the ages of 14 and 48 suffers from genital herpes, the researchers report. (As)