An effective approach to the treatment of chronic recurrent genital herpes: An open-label, cohort, prospective study

Background. Herpes virus infection poses a serious medical and social danger both at the country and global levels, inducing severe disorders leading to pregnancy complications, reproductive losses, and proliferative diseases. Aim. To provide a clinical and immunological assessment; to analyze the state of lipid peroxidation factors and antioxidant protection in the complex therapy of recurrent genital herpes (GH) using Panavir®. Materials and methods. The study was conducted from March 2024 to March 2025 at the Medical Institute of the RUDN University. The study included 125 females with GH relapses (5.0±2 episodes per year) aged 20–45 years. Molecular genetic studies for the presence of herpes simplex virus and the absence of other sexually transmitted infections were performed using polymerase chain reaction, and the content of isopropanol- and heptane-soluble primary, secondary, and final products of lipid peroxidation in plasma and lymphocytes, as well as serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were tested using the extraction-spectrophotometric method. The population and subpopulation composition of leukocytes was analyzed using flow cytometry. The serum levels of cytokines were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. In patients with GH relapse during complex therapy with Panavir® (0.04 mg/mL) intravenously 5 mL QD 2 doses, the levels of inflammatory cytokine mediators (interferon γ, interleukin-2, 8, 10, tumor necrosis factor α) were normalized, the number of receptors on the surface of lymphocytes was restored. Panavir® eliminates the effects of oxidative stress and restores the activity of antioxidant protection enzymes, which increases the effectiveness of treatment for recurrent herpes virus infection. Conclusion. Panavir® (0.04 mg/mL) intravenously 5 mL QD 2 doses contributes to a favorable course and outcome of the disease, significantly reduces the number of relapses, and prolongs the inter-relapse period.