title: The efficacy of intranasal interferon alpha-2a in respiratory syncytial virus infection in volunteers.
abstract: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, self-administered intranasal interferon alpha-2a or placebo was given both before and after challenge with respiratory syncytial virus. The incidence of colds and the severity of signs and symptoms were reduced in those receiving interferon alpha-2a as compared with those given placebo. In a further double-blind, placebo-controlled study, self-administered interferon alpha-2a or placebo was given only to those volunteers who developed colds following challenge with respiratory syncytial virus. There was no evidence that interferon alpha-2a reduced the severity of the signs and symptoms or shortened the duration of the illness. The similarity of these results to the effect of interferon alpha-2a in rhinovirus infections in volunteers is discussed.
authors.affiliation: MRC Common Cold Unit, Harvard Hospital, Salisbury, U.K.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Barrow
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Tyrrell
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Isaacs
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Gauci
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000187:drug effects*; D010253:Respirovirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D010919:Placebos; D011994:Recombinant Proteins