Topical Zinc in the Treatment of Mice Infected Intravaginally with Herpes Genitalis Virus

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Abstract
The course of the disease, HSV-2 [herpes simplex virus type 2], inoculated intravaginally in immature mice was ascertained by studying the incidence of vaginitis, encephalitis and mortality rate. The therapeutic efficacy of various Zn-containing medications administered topically 4 h after infection was studied. Intravaginally applied Zn medicated collagen sponge containing 50 .mu.g zinc sulfate (7H2O) in acetate buffer, pH 5.5, significantly improved the course of disease and was significantly more effective than Zn administered intravaginally in a cream base. A solution of zinc sulfate administered as a douche was as effective as the comparable concentration of Zn applied through resilient collagen sponge. Topical administration of Zn through resilient collagen sponge or as a douche used shortly after the infection significantly inhibits the course of the herpes genitalis infection in the mouse.