Herpes simplex viruses: new relationships between epidemiology and history

(Molecular Biology and Evolution (Oxford University Press)) An Italian research team has refined the history and origins of two extremely common pathogens in human populations, herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. Using and applying rather precise data methods they estimated that the circulating strains of herpes simplex virus type 1 migrated from Africa about 5000 years ago. The exit from Africa of herpes simplex virus type 2 was even more recent and probably occurred in the eighteenth century, during the height of the slave trade.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news