Prophylactic effect of low doses of human leukocyte interferon against infection with rhinovirus.
The prophylactic effect of low doses of human leukocyte interferon (HuIFN-alpha) against infection with rhinovirus was measured in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with volunteer subjects. An antihistamine (chlorpheniramine) was given before administration of single or multiple doses of HuIFN-alpha but saturated cotton pledget or by aerosol; volunteers were then challenged with rhinovirus. When the results for all groups were combined, a lower frequency of respiratory illness was demonstrated in the HuIFN-alpha-treated volunteers (20 of 39 vs. 11 of 38, P less than 0.05). A significant improvement in mean symptom scores was found only in the volunteers who received HuIFN-alpha by cotton pledget. The total numbers of isolates of rhinovirus and seroconversions were similar for HuIFN-alpha-treated and control volunteers. No significant side effects were noted in the HuIFN-alpha-treated volunteers. Higher concentrations or improved methods of delivery of HuIFN-alpha will be necessary for improving the clinical efficacy of HuIFN-alpha against viral infections in the respiratory system.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000382:microbiology; D010850:Picornaviridae Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012229:Rhinovirus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification
D000336:Aerosols; D007372:Interferons