Effects of Oral Treatment with Acyclovir and Bromovinyldeoxyuridine on the Establishment and Maintenance of Latent Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in Mice

Abstract

Mice infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV) were treated (separately) with the nucleoside analog acyclovir or bromovinyldeoxyuridine by incorporating the drugs in drinking water. This method of treatment was effective for both drugs and compared favorably with i.p. injection. Prompt treatment with either compound could prevent the establishment of latent peripheral nervous system infections but latent infections once established were intractable using prolonged courses of oral administration.