Herpetic stomatitis and acyclovir therapy in cyclosporin A treated renal graft recipients

Out of 80 kidney graft recipients treated with cyclosporin A and low dose steroids 19 (23.8%) developed herpes virus infection and from these 15 (18.8%) herpetic stomatitis. Evaluation of enhancing factors for herpetic stomatitis suggested a role of cyclosporin A rather than of steroids and a probable relation to preceding CMV infection. Acyclovir treatment was effective on the course of stomatitis and pain in 12 of the 15 patients. No serious side effects were observed. Leukopenia as a possible hazard was discussed.