Comments on vaccines, August 1987.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections are characterized by latency and recurrent disease, complicating eradication efforts.
• The smallpox eradication serves as a benchmark, highlighting the difficulties in eliminating persistent viral infections.
• Existing live, attenuated varicella vaccines offer protection but do not fully prevent subsequent infections or latency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of eradicating herpes simplex and herpes zoster viruses globally.
• To discuss the potential of vaccines and immunotherapies for controlling these viral infections.
• To explore the role of passive immunization in managing herpes virus infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on varicella vaccines and herpes simplex vaccines.
• Analysis of the challenges posed by viral latency and recurrence.
• Discussion of the potential applications of immune globulins and antibody preparations.

Main Results:

• Vaccine-mediated eradication of HSV and VZV is significantly more challenging than smallpox eradication.
• Current varicella vaccines reduce clinical disease but do not eliminate latency or subsequent infections.
• Amelioration of clinical symptoms and reduction of latency are more realistic goals for HSV vaccines.

Conclusions:

• Global eradication of herpes simplex and herpes zoster viruses by vaccines is unlikely in the near future.
• Disease control and management, rather than eradication, should be the primary focus.
• Passive immunization, particularly for immunocompromised individuals with severe HSV infections, warrants further investigation.