title: Comparison of intramuscular recombinant alpha interferon (rIFN-2A) with topical acyclovir for the treatment of first-episode herpes genitalis and prevention of recurrences.
abstract: Intramuscular recombinant alpha interferon (rIFN-2A; 9 million IU given for 5 days during a 9-day treatment period) was compared with topical acyclovir in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for the treatment of first-episode genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and for subsequent alteration of the frequency of recurrences. rIFN-2A (within 96 h of onset of the first episode) was not superior to topical acyclovir in a well-matched group of 105 patients. The early use of rIFN-2A also did not alter the frequency or severity of genital HSV recurrences within either the first or second 6 months following therapy. Separate analyses by HSV type and by type of infection (primary versus nonprimary) did not change this conclusion. Furthermore, there was significant toxicity associated with rIFN-2A therapy. rIFN-2A is not indicated for the treatment of genital HSV infections.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Infectious Diseases Section, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: F N
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Judson
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Eron
authors.forename: Y J
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Bryson
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Corey
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Scheer
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000212:Acyclovir