Hypothesis: Human Herpes Virus-8 is transmitted from the mother at birth and the virus remains dormant.

Significance: The research that the lab is conducting is important because positive results will help future generations so we are able to find an explanation or perhaps a vaccine. At least 80% of the population has Human Simplex 1 (Cold Sores/ Fever Blisters).

Which means about every individual has contracted some form of the Herpes 1 Virus. The Infectious Disease laboratory concentrates on the Varicella Zoster Virus or Varicella (Chicken Pox) and Zoster (Shingles).

We are making breakthroughs in this type of herpes virus from the blood samples of Iowan infants DNA. In 1998, Dr. Charles F. Grose and Dr. Richard Santos discovered a Mutant form of Chickenpox. This is phenotypically different from VZV 32, which is the wild type. The Mutant forms of viruses can often be attributed to contamination of the wild-type in nature. Mutant forms are becoming more frequent with time

Limitations of Research: We did not have many major problems with this project, we had some primary issues. Exploration of this Virus has been minimal.

Endowment

Future Research directions: Reapplying to the Summer Research Opportunities Program to conduct further research involving Human Herpes Viruses with Dr. Charles Grose, Infectious Disease Laboratory at The University of Iowa