INTRODUCTION
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), responsible for oral and genital herpes, impacts over 3 billion people worldwide.1 HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 usually leads to genital herpes, though either virus can infect both anatomical sites.1-5 HSV lesions are often self-limiting, and thus antiviral treatment is not routinely prescribed for all cases.6 Furthermore, HSV may not always cause apparent mucocutaneous lesions and may appear to be dormant in the trigeminal sensory ganglion.6 HSV-2 is associated with a 3-fold increased risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.7 About one-third of Americans have recurrent labial herpes (1-6 outbreaks/year).8,9 Under current guidelines, patients experiencing severe and frequent HSV outbreaks (>6 per year) may receive antiviral therapy for treatment and prophylaxis.9
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive debilitating neurologic disorder characterized by impaired behavior and cognition.10 In 2023, the prevalence of AD was 6.7 million in the US and is projected to increase to 13.8 million by 2060.11 Known risk factors for AD include cardiovascular disease, obesity, cigarette smoking, and diabetes mellitus.12 Over $345 billion USD was spent on AD and dementia treatment in 2022, and this cost is estimated to increase to over $1 trillion by 2050.11,13 As of 2024, the US federal government is investing $3.8 billion USD on AD and dementia research, highlighting the urgent need for new insights and interventions.14
The risk of developing AD increases by 1.5 to 3.5 times in individuals with a history of HSV;6 notably, prior studies observed lower AD prevalence in HSV-infected patients treated with antivirals vs untreated cohorts.15-17 Supporting
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive debilitating neurologic disorder characterized by impaired behavior and cognition.10 In 2023, the prevalence of AD was 6.7 million in the US and is projected to increase to 13.8 million by 2060.11 Known risk factors for AD include cardiovascular disease, obesity, cigarette smoking, and diabetes mellitus.12 Over $345 billion USD was spent on AD and dementia treatment in 2022, and this cost is estimated to increase to over $1 trillion by 2050.11,13 As of 2024, the US federal government is investing $3.8 billion USD on AD and dementia research, highlighting the urgent need for new insights and interventions.14
The risk of developing AD increases by 1.5 to 3.5 times in individuals with a history of HSV;6 notably, prior studies observed lower AD prevalence in HSV-infected patients treated with antivirals vs untreated cohorts.15-17 Supporting
