Introduction and Background

This blog will track the progress of our participation in a grid computing project searching for new treatments of Herpes Simplex and will offer some information on the virus. Grid computing is a combination of computing power from a large number of computers, spread out geographically, and all aimed at completing a single task, which in our case is compiling data on the Herpes virus, analyzing it, and looking for specific patterns that may produce a cure. This method is relatively new in the scientific world. It allows for a mass amount of data to be cheaply analyzed, while providing collaboration between scientists from around the globe. Grid computing is certainly a large part of the future for all sciences.

For those that do not know, Herpes comes in two forms: Herpes Simplex I (HSV-I) and Herpes Simplex II (HSV-II). Both fall under the family, Herpesvirdae, a class of DNA viruses. HSV-I infection is normally manifested on the lips, mouth, face, and eyes. It causes lesions commonly known as cold sores on the epidermis and conjunctiva in the eye. It is transmitted through saliva, and children are most susceptible, as adults generally have developed immunity. HSV-II infection generally manifests itself as s

ores and ulcers on or around the genitalia. It is sexually transmitted (www.medlineplus.com).

Unfortunately, there is not a method to eradicate herpes from an infected persons body. Herpes lies dormant in the neural ganglia. Specifically, HSV-I generally resides in the trigeminal ganglia, while HSV-II is commonly found in the sacral ganglia. This type of infection is known as latent. Latent infections often have recurring symptoms and are difficult to treat (http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu). With the help of grid computing, it is

our hope that this can be changed.