The effects of corticosteroids of adenoviral replication
E. G. Romanowski, L. A. Roba, L. Wiley, T. Araullo-Cruz and Y. J. Gordon
Campbell Laboratory for Infectious Eye Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pa, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Pred Forte (prednisolone acetate;
Allergan Pharmaceutical, Irvine, Calif) on the replication of different
adenoviral serotypes in vitro and in the adenovirus type 5/New Zealand
rabbit ocular model. METHODS: The 50% inhibitory doses of Pred Forte and
its components were determined for common ocular serotypes. The effects of
continuous topical treatment with Pred Forte for 18 days were evaluated
(eg, conjunctivitis, subepithelial immune infiltrates, and serial ocular
viral titers) in the adenovirus 5/New Zealand rabbit ocular model. RESULTS:
Pred Forte and prednisolone acetate inhibited adenoviruses 1, 5, 8, and 19
in vitro. In vivo, 1% Pred Forte significantly reduced conjunctivitis (P =
.04) and subepithelial infiltrates (P = .02), but enhanced viral
replication (P = .01) on days 9 to 21 and increased the duration of viral
shedding (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite demonstrated anti-inflammatory
and anti-immune effects, prolonged treatment of acute adenoviral infections
with topical Pred Forte is not recommended because of the enhanced risks of
viral transmission and community epidemics.
