Abstract
BACKGROUND
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is an endemic disease and it is
estimated that 6095% of the adult population are infected with symptoms that
are usually self-limiting, though they can be serious, extensive and
prolonged in immunocompromised individuals, highlighted by the emergence of
drug-resistant strains. The study of the wild-type HSV strains based on the
cytopathogenic features and its antiviral sensitivity are important in the
establishment of an antivirogram for controlling the infection.
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to isolate and examine the cytopathological
characteristics of circulating strains of the Herpes simplex virus, from
clinical specimens and their sensitivity to commercially available
antiherpesvirus drugs, acyclovir, phosphonophormic acid and
trifluridine.
METHODS
Herpes simplex virus isolation, cytopathological features and antiviral
sensitivity assays were performed in cell culture by tissue culture
infectious dose or plaque forming unit assay.
RESULTS
From twenty-two clinical specimens, we isolated and adapted nine strains.
Overall, the cytopathic effect was detected 24 h post-infection (p.i.) and
the presence of syncytia was remarkable 48 h p.i., observed after cell
staining. Out of eight isolates, four developed plaques of varying sizes.
All the isolates were sensitive to acyclovir, phosphonophormic and
trifluridine, with the percentage of virus inhibition (%VI) ranging from
49.7-100%.
CONCLUSIONS
The methodology for HSV isolation and characterization is a straightforward
approach, but the drug sensitivity test, regarded as being of great
practical importance, needs to be better understood.
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