Investigating the survival of herpes simplex virus on toothbrushes and surrogate phallic devices.

BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a member of the alphaherpesvirus (alphaherpesvirinae) subfamily, allowing it to affect a wide range of hosts. Herpes simplex virus-1 affects 3.7 billion people, or 67% of the population, under the age of 50. With a vast number of people infected by the virus, everyday objects are often contaminated with this agent. In this study we determined how long HSV-1 can remain viable on contaminated fomites. METHODS: Fomites were selected for their use near potentially contaminated orifices and variable frequency of sanitization. Toothbrushes and surrogate phallic devices (SPDs) were cut, sterilized, and contaminated. After contaminating the fomites, we collected samples over a 24 h period, then used plaque assays to determine viral titers at prescribed time points. RESULTS: The quantity of replication-competent virus present appears to decrease significantly 2 h post-contamination, then steadily declines over time, nearing zero at 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that different surfaces influence HSV-1 survival. Proper cleaning must be performed for these types of fomites, especially if shared in an environment where someone with active genital or oral herpes lesions uses one of these fomites shortly after someone else.

Volatile Acid-Solvent Evaporation (VASE): Molecularly Homogeneous Distribution of Acyclovir in a Bioerodable Polymer Matrix for Long-Term Treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Infections.

Treatment for herpes simplex virus-1 and -2 (HSV-1 and -2) patients who suffer from recurrent outbreaks consists of multiple daily doses of the antiviral drugs acyclovir (ACV), penciclovir, or their more orally bioavailable derivatives valacyclovir or famciclovir. Drug troughs caused by missed doses may result in viral replication, which can generate drug-resistant mutants along with clinical sequelae. We developed a molecularly homogeneous mixture of ACV with the bioerodable polymer polycaprolactone. Through scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, 1H NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry, our method of combining drug and polymer, termed Volatile Acid-Solvent Evaporation (VASE), does not compromise the integrity of polymer or drug. Furthermore, VASE creates materials that deliver therapeutic amounts of drug consistently for approximately two months. Devices with high enough drug loads diminish primary infection of HSV-1 in Vero cells to the same level as seen with a single dose of ACV. Our data will lead to further experiments in animal models, demonstrating efficacy in preventing reactivation of these viruses with a single intervention, and with other antiviral drugs amenable to such manipulation. Additionally, this type of treatment would leave no trace after its useful lifetime, as drug is released and polymer matrix is degraded in vivo.