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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
[Experience with using leukocytic interferon with methacil in influenza in children]
Abstract:
For prophylaxis influenza in the infection foci under stationary conditions 213 children were treated with leucocytic interferon with metacyl and 192 children were observed as the control group. The drug was administered intranasally in a dose of 0.25 ml once a day. The observations showed that among the children treated prophylactically with interferon and metacyl the number of influenza cases decreased 2.17 times a compared to the control group. In contact children who were taken ill with influenza the severety of the infection and the number of complications decreased. Under the stationary conditions in the children treated with interferon and metacyl the numbers of the wave-like infection and complications decreased 2.5 and 2.9 times respectively as compared to the children not treated with the drugs. Addition of metacyl to leucocytal interferon provided its administration once a day instead of 3-4 times a day.
Insights
This study found that intranasal leucocytic interferon combined with metacyl significantly reduced influenza cases and complications in children. This combination therapy also allowed for once-daily dosing, improving treatment convenience.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Influenza remains a significant public health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Prophylaxis against influenza infection is crucial in preventing outbreaks, especially in stationary settings.
- Leucocytic interferon has shown antiviral properties, but its efficacy and administration frequency require optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of leucocytic interferon combined with metacyl against influenza in children.
- To assess the impact of this combination therapy on the severity and complications of influenza infections.
- To determine if metacyl enhances the usability of leucocytic interferon by altering its administration frequency.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 213 children treated with leucocytic interferon and metacyl, and 192 children in a control group.
- Intranasal administration of the drug at a dose of 0.25 ml once daily.
- Monitoring influenza incidence, severity, and complication rates in both treated and control groups.
Main Results:
- Influenza cases decreased 2.17 times in the group receiving interferon and metacyl compared to the control group.
- Severity of infection and number of complications were reduced in children treated with the combination therapy.
- Wave-like infection and complication rates decreased 2.5 and 2.9 times, respectively, in stationary conditions.
- Addition of metacyl allowed for once-daily administration of leucocytic interferon, reducing dosing frequency from 3-4 times daily.
Conclusions:
- Leucocytic interferon combined with metacyl is an effective prophylactic agent against influenza in children.
- This combination therapy reduces influenza severity and complications, and improves treatment adherence through simplified dosing.
- The findings support the use of this combined therapy in controlling influenza outbreaks in institutional settings.
