Antiviral activity of a D‐glucosamine derivative against herpetic ulcers (HSV type 2) in rabbit cornea

Abstract

Although most herpetic ocular infections in adults are caused by herpesvirus hominis type 1, several cases of culture proved HSV‐2 ocular infection in adults have been described, with more severe and prolonged disease. In a screening for new antiherpetic compounds, we investigated the efficacy in vivo of a new compound, nitroderivative of D‐glucosaminhydrochloride (GN‐11) in comparison with D‐glucosaminhydrochloride (GN), Acyclovir (ACV) and placebo against herpetic keratitis of herpes simplex type 2 in 4times4 eyes from 4times4 rabbits, respectively. ACV and GN‐11 showed similar results. The treatment with GN‐11 retarded the appearance of herpetic lesions, which were small and diffuse in comparison with the placebo group. A total recovery was obtained on the 12th day of the treatment. In the ACV treated group, a minimal number of small lesions appeared, but the eyes recovered normality on the 7th day of treatment. The appearance of acute herpetic keratitis was prevented by GN‐11. Placebo and GN treated groups showed similar evolution, with lost vision and neurological involvement on the 7th day of infection.