The Efficacy of Thymopentin Therapy for Prophylactic Use in Recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Herpes recurrences coincide with changes in the immunologic status of the patient, particularly in respect of cell mediated immunity (CMI),, and it has been represented that thymopentin(TP) induces a wide range of immunoregulatory effects. OBJECTIVE: Relapses of herpes simplex seem to depend on the relationship between the cellular immune mechanisms and the virus in its latent phase, therefore immunomodulatory therapy may represent an alternative approach. In this respect, thymopentin may have the potential to become a valuable drug for prophylactic use in patients with recurrent herpes simplex. METHODS: Patients with moderate to severe herpes simplex(a relapse rate of at least 6 times/year) were treated with subcutaneous injection of thymopentin 50mg three times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. The study consisted of a 6-week therapy and a subsequent 1 year follow-up on average. RESULTS: Fourteen of sixteen patients with herpes simplex improved as demonstrated by a reduction in the relapse rate, shorter duration of episodes and improvement in symptoms such as itching or pain. Four patients did not experience a relapse for more than 1 year after cessation of therapy. In this study, the duration of the symptom-free period increased and the average number of relapses per year was reduced. CONCLUSION: Thymopentin is a highly effective drug, capable of positively influencing recurrent herpetic episodes and reducing the relapse rate.