Hydrogels containing monocaprin prevent intravaginal and intracutaneous infections with HSV-2 in mice: Impact on the search for vaginal microbicides

Hydrogel formulations containing the 1-mono-glyceride of capric acid (monoc aprin) possess potent in vitro microbicidal activity against HIV and HSV, C hlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These formulations were stu died to determine whether they prevent intracutaneous and intravaginal infe ctions of mice with HSV-2, a virus that is in vitro as sensitive to the vir ucidal action of the compound as is HIV. In mice intravaginal infection wit h HSV-2 and the associated mortality was prevented completely when the infe ction was carried out in the presence of a 20 mM monocaprin containing get formulation. Similarly, virtually complete protection of lesion development and associated mortality was observed when mice were infected intracutaneo usly with HSV-2 in the presence of gels containing 10 or 20 mM monocaprin. No irritation or toxicity was observed following application of the gel to the skin or the vaginal mucosa. Hydrogel formulations of monocaprin could t hus be pursued as vaginal microbicides for the prevention of sexual transmi ssion of HSV, HIV and other infectious pathogens. J. Med. Virol. 67:707-776 , 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.