A recent study has uncovered some interesting links between chimpanzees, humans, and the herpes virus. The investigation found that the virus predates modern evolution of primates into humans, confirming that our human ancestors caught the virus from chimpanzees approximately six million years ago.
The intriguing findings, which were recently reported and discussed via Yahoo! News, show that HSV-1, aka the herpes simplex virus 1, had infected hominids well before their evolutionary separation from their primate counterparts (6 million years ago) and remained within the hominid family ever since. In contrast, the HSV-2 was transmitted to humans from ancient chimpanzees roughly 1.6 million years ago. This justifies the fact that chimpanzees and humans have now developed their own versions of the HSV-1 strain. By discovering this cross-species transmission of viruses, scientists believe they can better understand potential future human viruses.
The herpes virus is a disease that affects a great number of people without them being aware – approximately 45 million people aged 12 or over have genital herpes. Furthermore, it was found that two thirds of the women who took part in this particular case study were “actively shedding” the virus; quite simply, they were able to spread the disease. This high number becomes even more alarming when you realise that the HSV-2 virus can still be shed up to 10 years after the initial diagnosis.
When you look at the actual symptoms of herpes, it becomes clear why so many people fail to discover that they have the virus. Many people do not have any symptoms at all when they first contract it, and even if they do show signs, it might not be until several months, maybe even years, down the line. However, when symptoms are observed, these are usually (amongst others) pain when passing urine, blisters on the cervix, burning and itching in the genital area and a general sense of being unwell.
What makes this virus so prone to reinfection is that there is no definite cure available, only treatments. As with all infections, should you be concerned about symptoms or contraction, it is wise to seek the advice of your local GP. Furthermore, it is always good to be mindful of herpes, and to ensure that you’re taking sexual safety measures (i.e. using condoms) in an effort to prevent contracting it and other sexually transmitted diseases.