Related Experiment Videos
Intentional reactivation of latent ocular herpes infection during BVDU therapy
M D Trousdale1, J B Robin, D E Willey
1Estelle Doheny Eye Foundation, Los Angeles, CA.
Abstract:
Sixteen adult New Zealand white rabbits with previously confirmed herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections were stimulated by iontophoresis of 6-hydroxydopamine into the cornea and were followed-up by topical epinephrine treatment to confirm latency. A total of 224 ocular cultures were obtained, of which 73 were positive for HSV during the seven day cycle. Twenty-seven of the 32 eyes (84%) had at least one positive culture. Animals were randomly divided into two treatment groups. Upon repeat stimulation (Cycle 2), concurrent with oral and topical bromovinyl-deoxyuridine (BVDU) therapy, only 3/104 ocular cultures were HSV positive, while 24/112 ocular cultures from placebo-treated animals were positive. Anti-HSV serum titers were comparable before and after BVDU therapy and the HSV isolates from BVDU treated animals did not develop drug resistance (i.e., ED-50 values were approximately 0.1-0.2 ug/ml both before and after therapy). It was concluded that BVDU had a demonstrable therapeutic effect on the recovery of HSV-1 from ocular cultures during intentional reactivation, but the latent ganglionic infection was not eliminated.
Insights
Bromovinyl-deoxyuridine (BVDU) effectively reduced herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) shedding during intentional reactivation in rabbits. However, BVDU did not eliminate the underlying latent ocular infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) establishes latent infections in ocular tissues.
- Reactivation of latent HSV-1 can lead to ocular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of bromovinyl-deoxyuridine (BVDU) against HSV-1 reactivation in a rabbit ocular latency model.
- To assess the impact of BVDU on viral shedding and drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Adult New Zealand white rabbits with confirmed HSV-1 infections were used.
- Ocular latency was induced and reactivated.
- Animals received oral and topical BVDU or placebo during reactivation.
- Ocular cultures were analyzed for HSV-1 presence.
Main Results:
- BVDU treatment significantly reduced HSV-1 positive ocular cultures during reactivation (3/104) compared to placebo (24/112).
- Anti-HSV serum titers remained comparable before and after BVDU therapy.
- HSV isolates from BVDU-treated animals did not develop resistance.
Conclusions:
- BVDU demonstrates a therapeutic effect in reducing HSV-1 shedding during intentional ocular reactivation.
- BVDU therapy did not eradicate the latent ganglionic HSV-1 infection.