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Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi
Published on: July 6, 2016
Theaflavin-3,3'-digallate and lactic acid combinations reduce herpes simplex virus infectivity
1New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Department of Developmental Biochemistry, Staten Island, New York, USA. chisi@rcn.com
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|May 30, 2013
Summary
A combination topical microbicide using theaflavin-3,3-digallate (TF-3) and lactic acid (LA) effectively inactivates herpes simplex virus (HSV). This TF-3 and LA microbicide shows potential for reducing HSV transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a significant global health concern.
- Topical microbicides are crucial for preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HSV.
- Developing effective and stable microbicides is an ongoing research priority.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a dual-mechanism topical microbicide combining theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF-3) and lactic acid (LA) against HSV.
- To determine the optimal pH range for microbicide activity, mimicking physiological conditions of the female reproductive tract.
- To assess the stability and effectiveness of the TF-3 and LA combination in the presence of biological fluids like semen and vaginal fluid.
Main Methods:
- HSV-1 and HSV-2 clinical isolates were exposed to varying concentrations of TF-3 and LA across a pH range of 4.0 to 5.7.
- Virus inactivation was quantified by measuring log10 reductions in viral titers.
- Microbicide stability was tested after storage at 37°C for one month.
- The impact of semen and cervical vaginal fluid on microbicide efficacy was investigated.
Main Results:
- A combination of TF-3 (100 μM) and LA demonstrated significant HSV inactivation at pH 4.5-5.7.
- LA alone at pH 4.0 achieved ≥ 5 log10 reduction of HSV-1 and HSV-2 within 20 minutes, but activity diminished at pH ≥ 4.5.
- TF-3 showed potent antiviral activity against HSV-2 and HSV-1 at pH 4.5.
- The TF-3 and LA combination remained stable and effective after one month of storage.
- Semen reduced LA's efficacy, but TF-3 addition restored significant HSV inactivation.
Conclusions:
- The combination of TF-3 and LA presents a promising strategy for a dual-mechanism topical microbicide against HSV.
- This microbicide formulation maintains antiviral activity under relevant physiological conditions and in the presence of biological fluids.
- Further development of this TF-3 and LA microbicide could contribute to reducing HSV transmission.
