Topical alpha-interferon in recurrent genital herpes simplex infection. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical...

We conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial on 98 subjects to assess the efficacy of two strengths of topical human leukocyte alpha-interferon, 10(4) and 10(6) IU/g in a 1% nonoxynol-9 base, in the treatment of recurrent genital herpes simplex virus (HSV). The study medication was applied during the prodromal phase or at the first sign of recurrence of the infection. The high-dose alpha-interferon was found to be significantly more effective than the low-dose interferon and placebo with respect to the duration of viral shedding as well as in reducing the time to the end of all subjective symptoms, including pain, burning and itching. No difference between the three groups was found in times to crusting or healing. Further studies of topical interferon in the treatment of HSV and other viral infections are merited.