orabase and Herpes-Genitalis

Polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid complexed with poly-l-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose [poly(ICLC)] is a potent interferon inducer when given parenterally to humans. Topical application in animal models has shown beneficial antiviral and clinical effects. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of topical poly(ICLC) in recurrent genital herpes simplex virus infection, five clinical and two virological parameters were followed. Fifty-seven men and women, with 78 recurrences of genital herpes, were stratified by sex. No clinical or antiviral differences between poly(ICLC) and placebo groups in either stratum were found. Further analysis of male subgroups by age and size of lesions showed no changes in the rapidity of healing or viral shedding.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Female; Herpes Genitalis; Humans; Male; Methylcellulose; Peptides; Poly I-C; Polylysine; Recurrence

The effects of double and triple combinations of acyclovir (ACV), adenine arabinoside (ara-A), arabinosyl hypoxanthine, or interferon on herpes simplex virus type 2 in mouse embryo fibroblasts were measured. These in vitro data were compared with results obtained in mice infected intravaginally with herpes simplex virus type 2 and treated intraperitoneally with low- and high-dose combinations of ACV, ara-A, or polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid(poly-L-lysine)carboxymethylcellulose complex [poly IC(LC)], an interferon inducer. Although all double combinations and one triple combination evoked synergistic reactions in vitro, results did not necessarily predict in vivo observations. In vivo synergy was observed when combinations of ACV and ara-A and low doses of ara-A-ACV-poly IC(LC) were used. However, toxicity was seen with full-dose nucleoside-poly IC(LC) doublets. The full-dose ACV-ara-A combination completely prevented progression beyond vaginitis, with all animals surviving. The ara-A-ACV results observed in mice, together with in vivo data of others, suggest that this combination might prove clinically useful for certain herpes simplex virus type 2 infections.

Topics: Acyclovir; Animals; Antiviral Agents; Arabinonucleosides; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Culture Techniques; Drug Combinations; Female; Herpes Genitalis; Interferons; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Poly I-C; Polylysine; Simplexvirus; Vidarabine