Herpes virus is similar to the human infection Epstein-Barr virus found in mountain gorillas

The researchers say the herpes virus is similar to the human infectious Epstein-Barr virus found in mountain gorillas.

According to a scientist at the University of California, Davis, this finding could help them find a way to conserve mountain gorillas. Not only that, they said the finding could also be of great benefit to people with Epstein-Barr virus.

Epstein-Barr - also known as herpesvirus 4 - infects over 90% of people worldwide, but often does not cause symptoms or serious health consequences. However, it can lead to some types of cancer in people with HIV / AIDS or have a weak immune system. This is also one of the main causes of mononucleosis with serious consequences later.

Accordingly, the researchers analyzed saliva on gorilla plants in Rwanda and Uganda. They found that mountain gorillas suffer from herpes virus in a specific way, with less risk of infection for healthy individuals.

According to the researchers, the virus could be a threat to young, young gorillas, like the Epstein-Barr virus, which could be harmful to babies and children with HIV / AIDS.

The lead author of the study, Tierra Smiley Evans, a doctor of animal studies, said: "Herpes virus can work in the same way in different species ."

Smiley Evans said: " Understanding how gorillas respond to herpes virus in their natural environment can help us better understand the effects of herpes virus and Epstein-Barr on humans. Anybody? '

The researchers also noted that mountain gorillas are one of the closest relatives of humans.

This research has just been published in Scientific Reports.