Systemic and topical use of poly I.C. in treatment of generalized neonatal herpes simplex infection with severe...

A case of Neonatal Herpes Simlex Virus (RSV) Encephalitis with severe ocular manifestation treated by topical systemic and intrathecal Interferon inducer, Poly IC (Polyriboinosinic acid-Polyribocytidylic acid) is reported. Prior to the administration of Poly IC, no Interferon could be detected neither in blood nor in CSF and vesicular fluid from conjunctiva. Intravenous administration of the drug initiated measurable levels in blood and tears, but not in CSF. However, intrathecal injection induced persistent high levels of Interferon in CSF. Virus clearance from conjunctiva tears and vesicular fluid occurred after three days of topical application of Poly IC. The mechanism of action of Poly IC, the laboratory results and the therapeutic conclusions are discussed in detail. This is the first report of intrathecal administration of Poly IC in a case of HSV Encephalitis.