Clinical and immunological evaluation of oral ribavirin administration in recurrent herpes simplex infections.

A total of 38 out-patients with recurrent oral or genital Herpes simplex virus infections received either oral ribavirin (800-1600 mg/day for 7 days) or placebo following a randomized and balanced protocol. Clinical and laboratory parameters, including haematological, metabolic and immunological tests, were checked in order to estimate tolerance to and efficacy of ribavirin on recurrent Herpes simplex virus infection and on the number of recurrences during the 12 months following treatment. Ribavirin showed definite superiority in the treatment of recurrent Herpes simplex virus 1, when compared to placebo, its efficacy being enhanced if treatment is started as soon as possible after infection has started. No significant modification of the parameters used to assess tolerance was noted; moreover there was no modification of the immunological parameters evaluated.