Abstract
The combined antiviral effect of dextran sulphate (DS, MW 40000) and acyclovir (ACV) on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Pseudorabies virus (PRV) in vitro and on experimental HSV-1 keratitis in rabbits, was studied. Dextran sulphate in combination with ACV results in synergistic effect, as measured by yield reduction assay and on herpes simplex keratitis in rabbits. The better therapeutic effect of the combination was proved by the decreased severity of ocular infection and the reduction of the virus shedding in tear film.