Constipation is a fairly frequent transit problem: it corresponds to a difficulty in evacuating stools, which are generally few, dry, hard and compact. The problem becomes chronic when it lasts for more than 6 months, at a rate of 3 bowel movements per week maximum.
According to statistics, chronic constipation affects between 3% and 5% of adults in Western countries; in the United States, this affects 12% to 19% of the population, children and adults combined. And it is especially women who are constipated, since they represent about 75% of cases.
In some chronically constipated, the exact cause of the problem is not identified. But a new study conducted by Yale University (in the United States) and published on June 8, 2016 in the scientific journal Cell Host & Microbe perhaps will advance the research. According to researchers, there is indeed a link between constipation … and herpes. Wacky? Not that much.
Colon neurons are under attack
The researchers, under the direction of immunology professor Akiko Iwasaki, observed a group of mice affected by the Herpes Simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). They noticed that this extremely widespread virus (according to the World Health Organization, 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 worldwide carry it) was able to spread from the genital area to the spinal cord. spinal cord, infecting the neurons present in the colon. The death of nerve cells then causes a slowdown in transit, which leads to constipation.
“Of course, it is not possible to directly transpose what we observe in mice in a human setting, explain the scientists. However, this discovery could give rise to new treatments. In addition, previous studies had already noted the impact of certain viruses on the nerve cells of the colon: the cytomegalovirus, the varicella-zoster virus and the Epstein-Barr virus could thus promote constipation. “
To protect againstgenital herpes, only one effective solution: the condom. However, HSV-1 can also be transmitted via the facial mucous membranes, since it is also responsible for cold sores.