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Therapeutic Options for Herpes Simplex Infections.
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Viridae Clinical Sciences Inc.,1134 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y8. sacks@viridae.com
Current Infectious Disease Reports
|January 15, 2003
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections cause recurring pain and discomfort. Current antiviral treatments manage symptoms, but new therapies like vaccines and immune response modifiers show promise for improved herpes simplex management.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) establish latent infections, leading to recurrent disease.
- Reactivation causes pain, discomfort, and significant psychosocial distress.
- Current therapeutic strategies for HSV infection are limited as no cure is available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatment modalities for herpes simplex virus infections.
- To explore the potential of novel therapeutic approaches, including vaccines and immune response modifiers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing herpes simplex virus therapies.
- Analysis of recent data on emerging treatment agents.
- Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of vaccines and immune response modifiers.
Main Results:
- Antiviral drugs are the mainstay for controlling HSV infection and suppressing recurrences.
- Development of vaccines against herpes simplex virus is ongoing.
- Immune response modifiers demonstrate promising therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic agents, including vaccines and immune response modifiers, offer new avenues for managing herpes simplex virus infections.
- Continued research is essential to expand treatment options beyond conventional antivirals.
- Addressing the unmet medical need for herpes simplex virus is crucial for public health.