Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein vaccine in persons at high risk for genital herpes infection

Article Abstract:

There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is a common infection that produces lesions on or around the lips, also called cold sores or fever blisters. HSV-2 tends to produce lesions on the genital organs. In many cases HSV-2 infection may produce no symptoms, and individuals with asymptomatic HSV-2 could spread the disease without knowing about it. A vaccine would be helpful in preventing transmission in cases of asymptomatic HSV-2 infection. Preliminary studies in animals have examined the effectiveness of a vaccine constructed from an HSV-2 glycoprotein subunit (a portion of the virus). This vaccine reduced the infection rate in animals that were inoculated with HSV-2. In clinical trials, HSV-2 subunit vaccine resulted in the presence of serum antibodies against two viral coat (outer surface) proteins called gB and gD. To determine the effectiveness of an HSV-2 subunit vaccine, vaccine or placebo was administered to 161 noninfected individuals who were sex partners of people who had recurrent HSV-2 infection. During the 12 months following vaccination, the rate of HSV-2 infection was 10 percent for the group receiving the vaccine and 10 percent for the group receiving the placebo. The vaccine stimulated antibody production to the gD and gB viral proteins. However, the amount of antibody produced was very small and was only 5 to 10 percent of the levels found in individuals that had HSV-2 infection. These results indicate that the vaccine had poor immunogenicity, that is, it did not sufficiently stimulate antibody production. It is concluded that the HSV-2 glycoprotein subunit vaccine did not provide protection from HSV-2 infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Vaccines

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A double-blind, placebo-controlled cytogenetic study of oral acyclovir in patients with recurrent genital herpes

Article Abstract:

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that has proven to be effective in treating patients infected with herpes simplex 1, which causes cold sores or fever blisters on the lips, and herpes simplex 2, which causes genital herpes. In order for acyclovir to work, it must be converted to its active form. The herpes virus contains an enzyme (thymidine kinase) that converts acyclovir to its active form. In this way acyclovir can kill the virus without killing cells that are not infected. Studies performed in laboratory animals have reported that acyclovir can damage chromosomes (the genetic material) inside of healthy, uninfected cells. These findings have caused concern that acyclovir may damage chromosomes in humans. To test this theory, 60 patients with genital herpes were studied. The patients were divided into three groups, with 20 patients per group. The first group was treated with 400 milligrams (mg) of acyclovir two times a day for one year and 200 mg of acyclovir five times a day during each recurrence of the herpes infection. Group 2 was treated with acyclovir only when the infection recurred, and group 3 did not receive drug treatment. Blood samples were taken before, during and after the one-year treatment period, and cells were examined for chromosome damage. The results of this study show that treatment with acyclovir does not cause chromosomal damage in human cells. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Acyclovir, Chromosome abnormalities

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A recombinant glycoprotein vaccine for herpes simplex type 2: safety and efficacy

Article Abstract:

A potential vaccine for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) may be more beneficial for patients who have a history of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-2 is characterized by infectious sores in the genital region. An HSV-1 infection is defined by cold sores around the mouth and nose. A vaccine for a disease should give the same immune protection as when the disease is contracted naturally. Researchers vaccinated 137 healthy patients who had no previous history of an HSV-2 infection. These patients were then divided into groups according to their history of HSV-1 infection and randomly given one of three dose levels of the vaccine on two more occaisions. In patients with a history of HSV-1, three immunizations with any of the three doses resulted in a three-to-five-fold increase in immunity compared with patients acquiring the infection naturally. Only 72% of the patients with no HSV-1 history achieved this level of immunity. Reported side effects were mild.

Viral vaccines, Herpes simplex

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