Relationship ofcell-mediated immunity with treatment in recurrent genital herpes

Abstract

：Objective To observe thetherapy efficacy in patients with recurrent genital herpes (RGH)via the detection of thechange in peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subpopulation,and to explore the relatedmechanisms of cell-mediated immunity.Methods 52 patients received a 4-course thempy withoral famciclovir of 250mg,thrice daily for 5 days and an injection of thymopentin of 1 mgonce daily for 15days.T-lymphocyte subpopulation(CD3+.CD4+.CD8+,and CD4+/CD8+)was detectedby flow cytometry before and after treament.The results were then compared those from thehealthy controls.Results As compared with those the control group,CD3+.CD4+.andCD46/CD8+were decreased and CD8+was increased in the treatment group,with a statisticaldifference between the two groups(P＜0.01 ). After a 2-monththerapy with antiviral drugs and immunomodulators,CD3+.CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ elevated andCDs+declined.There was a statistical difference after treatment(P＜0.01).Before treatment,each patient had flare-up 4.5 times annually on average,but only 1.5times after treatment,with a statistical difference(P ＜0.05). Conclusions Cellular immune dysfunction may occurin patients with RGH.Therapy with antiviral drugs and immunomodulators can improvecell-mediated immunity in the patients,and reduce the recurrence of genital herpes. Key words: Recurrentgenital herpes; Cell-mediated immunity; Treatment