title: Synergistic activity of combinations of recombinant human alpha interferon and acyclovir, administered concomitantly and in sequence, against a lethal herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in mice.
abstract: The nucleoside analog acyclovir [9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)guanine] and the hybrid recombinant human alpha interferon (rHuIFN-alpha A/D) were evaluated in weanling mice for their efficacy alone and in combination against a lethal systemic infection with herpes simplex virus type 1. Simultaneous parenteral treatment with combinations of both agents at various doses resulted in a higher percentage of survival than when either agent was administered alone, with a synergistic interaction demonstrated at certain dose combinations. Sequential administration of parenteral rHuIFN-alpha A/D and oral acyclovir, administered by gavage or supplied ad libitum in drinking water, resulted in a synergistic interaction at all dose combinations tested. These results suggest that combinations of interferon and acyclovir may be useful in treating primary herpes simplex virus infections in humans.
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice
chemical_list: D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D007370:Interferon Type I; D000212:Acyclovir