Herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA sequences are present in aged normal and Alzheimer's disease brain but absent in lymphocytes.
The etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unknown. Viruses have been suggested as a possible factor but the issue is still unresolved. We have detected herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA sequences in AD and normal brain, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and have now searched for the DNA in lymphocytes from AD patients and age-matched normal individuals; PCR shows that the virus is absent in the lymphocytes.
Jamieson
G A
GA
Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 88, Manchester, M60 1QD, UK.
Maitland
N J
NJ
Itzhaki
R F
RF