Human interferon therapy for herpes zoster in adults

Of 37 patients with herpes zoster 28 were treated with human exogenous interferon and 9 received only culture medium. The interferon was produced in leukocyte cultures and was given intramuscularly in one daily dose of 1 million units for 5-8 days. In the interferon-treated patients interferon was detectable in serum (peak level 1-5 hours after interferon injections) and in vesicle fluid, and in some patients also in urine samples. Anti-interferon antibodies were not found. Of the 28 interferon-treated patients 8 had a slight temperature increase and 4 showed a transient local reaction. In the interferon treated group of patients the duration of pain was shortened and the development of crust formation was enhanced compared with the control group.