[Vaccines as an approach to the immunocorrection in herpetic infections].

Development of vaccines for immunologic correction in herpetic infections is an important problem that raises a growing concern worldwide. The data on the experimental studies of the efficacy of an inactivated whole-virion vaccine against herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and -2) using an animal model are discussed. The results of the multiyear application of the vaccine to ophthalmology and dermatology practice are also presented. The results unambiguously show a high efficacy of the vaccine in the prevention of recurrences of the infections based on activation of specific T-cell response. A live vaccine against the varicella zoster virus (VZV) was developed for control of the infection in children. For the cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in adults, inactivated whole-virion vaccines are at the stage of development. An important part of the study addresses a combined application of the inactivated vaccines with immunomodulators.

[Inactivated herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 divaccine as an agent for effective immunoprophylaxis of recurrent genital herpes].

Prevention of recurrent genital herpes with the inactivated herpetic divaccine Vitaherpavac against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 has a number of advantages over the most commonly used symptomatic therapy: it ceases or significantly reduces the number of recurrences and accordingly prolongs a relapse-free interval, abolishes viremia and the manifestations of clinical symptoms of recurrences, induces no dependence to the vaccine. Coadministration of the Vitaherpavac vaccine and the immunomodulator Giaferon has been shown to have some advantage over vaccination only. The new formulation of the agent as suppositories (per rectum) not only enhances the immunogenicity and protective properties of the vaccine, but also reduces the frequency of its application and makes more convenient for patients to use.

[The effect of central electroanalgesia on the structural changes in the nerve fibers of patients with atopic dermatitis]. / Vliianie tsentral'noi élektroanal'gezii na strukturnye izmenniia v nervnykh voloknakh u bol'nykh atopicheskim dermatitom.

Nerve fibers ultrastructure in dermal papillary layer from foci of involvement was examined in atopic dermatitis patients before and after therapy with central electroanalgesia. Before therapy considerable destructive changes in nerve fibers were seen, i. e. Schwann cell cytoplasm and nerve cell appendages edemas, no neural tubes in the appendages. A course of treatment resulted in clinical improvement and appearance of small-diameter appendages of nerve cells on the periphery of nerve fibers that were often not completely covered with Schwann cell appendages. Parallel neural tubes were seen in these appendages. The authors suppose that appearance of nerve cell appendages with neural tubes is a morphologic manifestation of nerve fibers regeneration processes after treatment.

[Climacteric keratoderma (Haxthausen's syndrome)]. / Klimaktericheskaia keratoderma (sindrom Khakstkhauzena).

This condition was described by Haxthausen in 1934 for the first time; it is one of the diseases explained by hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. This disease is difficult to diagnose, and patients often complain of such conditions; therefore the authors consider it useful to regularly publish descriptions of clinical cases. Besides involvement of the palms and soles, manifesting by hyperkeratotic layers, painful fissures and itching, the patients with climacteric keratoderma develop metabolic endocrine, neurovegetative, and psychoemotional disorders. When choosing the treatment strategy, the physician should bear in mind specific features of the pathogenesis and clinical picture. Earlier therapy and its efficacy are of importance, as are the presence of allergies or drug intolerance and particulars of the climacteric period course in the first- and second-degree relatives.