Human Interferon Therapy for Herpes Zoster in Adults

Abstract

Of 37 patients with herpes zoster 28 were treated with human exogenous interferon and 9 received only culture medium. The interferon was produced in leukocyte cultures and was given intramuscularly in one daily dose of 1 million units for 5-8 days. In the interferon-treated patients interferon was detectable in serum (peak level 1-5 hours after interferon injections) and in vesicle fluid, and in some patients also in urine samples. Anti-interferon antibodies were not found. Of the 28 interferon-treated patients 8 had a slight temperature increase and 4 showed a transient local reaction. In the interferon treated group of patients the duration of pain was shortened and the development of crust formation was enhanced compared with the control group.

Human Fibroblast Interferon for Clinical Trials: Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability in Experimental Animals and Humans

“…Our data as well as those reported in the literature (20,23) indicate that these effects were reduced or eliminated by alternative purification methods, suggesting that they were due to impurities. Febrile reactions have also been noted in patients with L-interferon (1,14,15,17,19,24). However, a recent preparation of purified L-interferon was not pyrogenic in a patient who showed a febrile response to F-interferon.…”

Effect of Human Exogenous Leukocyte Interferon in Cytomegalovirus Infections

“…Evidence exists that interferon may be one de- terminant of host resistance to viral infections [13][14][15]. In a non randomized study we have observed a possible antiviral effect of exogenous human leukocyte interferon in the treatment of local and generalized infections with herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus [15,16].…”

“…Details regarding production, purification, standardization, and sterilization of this preparation have been described previously [15]. Interferon levels in administered preparations were assayed by microtitration techniques; vesicular stomatitis virus was inhibited in human foreskin fibroblast monolayers [18].…”

“…Only a few studies employing adequate virological monitoring of antiviral chemotherapy have been reported, and these studies revealed variable results in a small number of patients. FIuorodeoxyuridine, iododeoxyuridine, or cytosine arabinoside did not significantly alter the clinical course of illness or viral excretion [10][11][12].Evidence exists that interferon may be one de- terminant of host resistance to viral infections [13][14][15]. In a non randomized study we have observed a possible antiviral effect of exogenous human leukocyte interferon in the treatment of local and generalized infections with herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus [15,16].…”

“…In a non randomized study we have observed a possible antiviral effect of exogenous human leukocyte interferon in the treatment of local and generalized infections with herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus [15,16]. Falcoff has reported a beneficial effect of exogenous amniotic interferon in the treatment of congenital CMV infection [17].…”