ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to determine whether or not ribavirin provides protection against varicella in those who come in contact with the virus. In a double blind placebo study, ribavirin (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or placebo was administered to children who had contact with varicella. Treatment was administered to 61 children (Group 1) within the first 3 days of contact, 45 of them were immunocompetent and 16 were immunodepressed. Treatment was given to 54 children on the 7th day after contact (Group 2); 48 of them were immunocompetent and 6 immunodepressed. In group 1, 11 (50%) of the immunocompetent treated with ribavirin developed chicken pox while 11 (50%) were asymptomatic. For seroconversion, there was no significant difference (p=0.586). In group 2, we did not find varicella in immunocompetent patients receiving ribavirin (0/24), for placebo there were 2 (2/24) cases of varicella. Varicella was not observed in immunodepressed patients in Group 2. A difference was not observed with the administration of ribavirin at day 3 or 7 versus placebo to prevent development of varicella. This study may have implications for the public health efforts in the prophylaxis of chicken pox.
