Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
Epstein-Barr Virus is a cancer causing virus in the herpes family and and is one of the most common viruses in humans. Epstein-Barr virus occurs worldwide. It is known to cause infectious mononucleosis and is causes a number of cancer including Burkitt's Lymphoma and Nasopharageal carcinoma. In addition, EBV is suspected to have a role in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Herpes Simplex Virus, infects over 80% of the adult population worldwide and there is currently no cure. It belongs to the herpes family of viruses and there are two strains, HSV1 and HSV2. HSV-1 causes encephalitis, corneal blindness (herpes keratitis), and various peripheral nervous system disorders; HSV-2 can cause meningitis and is the primary source of genital herpes. HSV1 and HSV2 establish long-term latent infection in the sensory neurons of the trigeminal or dorsal root ganglions, and frequently reactivate causing complications. There is growing evidence for a role of HSV1 in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease.