Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of interferon alpha-2b ointment and gel for prevention of acute respiratory infections in organized groups

Abstract

Relevance: the annual incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) is in the lead in the structure of infectious pathology in the Russian Federation. One of the main issues is the development of optimal strategies for prevention of these diseases in high-risk groups.Aim: to evaluate the preventive and clinical efficacy as well as safety of various dosage forms of interferon alpha-2b in relation to ARI in young adults from organized groups.Materials and methods: our study included 300 volunteers aged 18 to 20 years, 100 of them were prescribed interferon alpha-2b in the form of a gel in addition to non-specific methods for the prevention of ARVI, 100 participants received interferon alpha-2b in the form of an ointment, 100 participants did not receive antiviral drugs.Results: the use of interferon alpha-2b ointment for prevention of ARI in organized groups significantly reduced the number of people who had ARVI and cases of ARI during the observation period. Among those who used interferon alpha2b no pneumonias occurred, the duration of hospitalization was statistically significantly reduced compared to the group of volunteers who used only non-specific prophylaxis methods. Participants who received interferon alpha-2b ointment had ARVI mainly in a mild form. No adverse events that could be associated with the use of the study drug were recorded during the observation period.Conclusion: the use of interferon alpha-2b in the form of ointment showed preventive and clinical efficacy against ARI in young adults from organized groups.