Genital herpes simplex in the female 1968 to 1973

One hundred and twenty-nine female patients with genital herpes simplex infection are considered. Diagnosis and management are discussed, and the importance of excluding other sexually transmitted diseases is emphasised.

Failure of neutral-red photodynamic inactivation in recurrent herpes simplex virus infections

Because photodynamic inactivation of herpes simplex virus infections may not be free of hazard, the efficacy of photodynamic inactivation with neutral red and light was evaluated in a placebo-controlled study of 170 episodes of recurrent herpes simplex virus infection in 96 patients. The preparation of neutral red that was used was shown to photoinactivate herpes simplex virus in vitro, but had no significant effect on the rate of resolution of herpetic lesions (P greater than 0.10) or on the frequency of subsequent recurrences (P greater than 0.10), except for orolabial lesions, in which an adverse effect on the rate of subsequent recurrences was observed (P less than 0.05). In the absence of demonstrated efficacy, the routine use of neutral red and light in patients with recurrent herpes simplex virus infections should be discontinued. Furthermore, other photoactive dyes should not be used until their efficacy has been demonstrated by suitably controlled clinical trials.

Urinary tract infections in the adult. The Postgraduate Medicine Lecture

Diagnosis of urinary tract infection should be made only on the basis of complete evidence. Examination and culture of the urine are necessary steps in correct diagnosis and treatment. Urinary obstruction is almost always present in recurrent infections. Contributory factors include sex practices conducive to entry of bacteria, poor perineal hygiene, occupations that require long periods of driving or riding, chronic constipation, and use of oral contraceptives, tampons, and douches. Many antibacterial drugs are effective in eliminating infection. Contributing factors should be modified or eliminated to prevent recurrence.