[Interferonogenic properties of prodigiozan and its effectiveness in treating acute respiratory diseases in children].

The capacity of prodigiozan to stimulate interferon production in the cell culture of the human palatine tonsil lymphocytes was studied. The interferonogenic properties of prodigiozan administered in the form of aerosols to children were also investigated. The efficacy of the prodigiozan aerosols in treatment of children with viral respiratory diseases was estimated. It was shown that prodigiozan stimulated interferon production in the cell culture of the tonsil lymphocytes (the titers of 1 : 2--1 : 8) and induced formation of endogenic interferon in the host (in the tonsils and blood serum) 24 hours after the aerosol administration. 100 micrograms of prodigiozan administered in the form of aerosols in a single dose or in 2 doses at an interval of 1--2 days had a pronounced therapeutic effect 1--2 days after the administration. The use of prodigiozan in treatment of children with acute viral respiratory infections promoted a decrease in the frequency of complications, such as pneumonia and otitis. The data are indicative of the validity of prodigiozan in treatment of children with acute respiratory infections.