Antiviral activity of a D‐glucosamine derivative against herpetic ulcers (HSV type 2) in rabbit cornea

: Although most herpetic ocular infections in adults are caused by herpesvirus hominis type 1, several cases of culture proved HSV-2 ocular infection in adults have been described, with more severe and prolonged disease. In a screening for new antiherpetic compounds, we investigated the efficacy in vivo of a new compound, nitroderivative of D-glucosaminhydrochloride (GN-11) in comparison with D-glucosaminhydrochloride (GN), Acyclovir (ACV) and placebo against herpetic keratitis of herpes simplex type 2 in 4 x 4 eyes from 4 x 4 rabbits, respectively. ACV and GN-11 showed similar results. The treatment with GN-11 retarded the appearance of herpetic lesions, which were small and diffuse in comparison with the placebo group. A total recovery was obtained on the 12th day of the treatment. In the ACV treated group, a minimal number of small lesions appeared, but the eyes recovered normality on the 7th day of treatment. The appearance of acute herpetic keratitis was prevented by GN-11. Placebo and GN treated groups showed similar evolution, with lost vision and neurological involvement on the 7th day of infection.