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Acyclovir prophylaxis of herpes-simplex-virus infections
The New England Journal of Medicine
|July 9, 1981
Summary
Acyclovir effectively prevented herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation in bone-marrow transplant patients. This antiviral prophylaxis significantly reduced lesion development, demonstrating its potential in managing HSV infections post-transplant.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bone-marrow transplant recipients are at high risk for herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation.
- Prophylaxis is crucial to prevent severe HSV infections in immunocompromised patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of acyclovir for preventing HSV infections in seropositive bone-marrow transplant recipients.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 20 seropositive bone-marrow transplant recipients.
- Acyclovir or placebo administered for 18 days, commencing three days pre-transplant.
Main Results:
- No culture-positive HSV lesions occurred in the 10 patients receiving acyclovir, versus seven in the 10 placebo recipients (P <= 0.003).
- No acyclovir toxicity was observed.
- Mild HSV infections and viral shedding occurred post-cessation of acyclovir in some patients.
Conclusions:
- Acyclovir is a potent inhibitor of HSV replication and provides effective prophylaxis against reactivation in this patient group.
- Acyclovir does not eradicate latent HSV infection but can prevent symptomatic disease post-transplant.