Approximately 5000 years in the past, - The rise of snogging led to herpes gaining prominence.
5000 years ago, our ancestors stumbled upon something that would alter daily life as they knew it: kissing. In those days, it was a fairly novel custom. While they were still experimenting with these mouth-to-mouth interactions, they were oblivious to the threats lurking in the background as a virus prepared to conquer the globe.
Lip herpes is caused by a virus infection. It's estimated that up to 90% of people in Germany carry this virus in their bodies. This can result in blisters on and around the lips, which typically resolve within a week or so. Those who have experienced lip herpes can be haunted by these painful blisters again. Herpes can effortlessly spread through direct contact, such as sex and kissing.
Bronze Age: Kissing Unleashed Herpes
Researchers at the University of Cambridge suggest that 1925 could have been the year herpes appeared. However, they're investigating whether the HSV-1 strain of the herpes virus is older than previously believed. They believe it may have existed for thousands of years before, dating back to the Bronze Age.
Their evidence lies in viral DNA extracted from ancient human remains. They extracted this material from tooth roots. Their oldest sample dates back 1500 years and comes from a man found in the Russian Ural region, while a different sample comes from a young adult from the late 14th century. By using the viral DNA found, the scientists have created a rough timeline of the virus's evolution.
According to Christiana Scheib, head of the ancient DNA lab at the University of Tartu, "Each primate species has a version of herpes, so we assume it has been in our species since we left Africa." But something peculiar happened around 5000 years ago, allowing this form of herpes to outpace all the others. "Maybe an increase in transmissions that could be linked to kissing," she suggests.
In fact, the first record of kissing dates back to the Bronze Age, in a text from Southeast Asia. At the same time, the great migration from Eurasia to Europe took place, which could have been another boost for the spread of herpes, according to the scientists.
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- During the Bronze Age, the custom of smooching, or kissing, may have inadvertently aided the spread of the herpes virus, which is known to reside in the DNA of 90% of Germans today.
- Germs from a virus, such as herpes, can transfer easily via direct contact methods, including kissing, leading to the infection of an individual's lips and potentially resulting in blisters.
- While ancient humans were likely unaware of the risks associated with smooching during the Bronze Age, the practice may have contributed to the prevalence of herpes in their society.
- Bubbles of saliva transfer DNA during a kiss, a process that could have facilitated the dissemination of herpes-carrying DNA between Bronze Age people.
Source: www.stern.de
