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Objectives: The symptoms of herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV‐1) infections might be severe and persistent in immunocompromised patients in whom they reactivate at a high frequency. The development of Acyclovir (ACV) resistant strains due to long‐term treatment with antiviral agents in those patients is not uncommon. The aim of the present study was to assess the virucidal effect of commercially available mouthwashes against ACV‐resistant HSV‐1 strains. Materials and Methods: Two acyclovir‐resistant HSV‐1 strains were exposed for 30 s to essential oil‐based (Listerine Fresh Burst® and Listerine Zero®), chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% (Hexidyl®) and povidone‐iodine 7.5% (Betadine Gargle®) mouthwashes. Loss of virus infectivity was determined by means of plaque reduction assays in a cell culture system. Results: All 4 of the tested solutions significantly reduced virus infectivity, with the essential oil‐based and povidone‐iodine mouthwashes being slightly more efficacious, compared to chlorhexidine. Conclusion: The findings of this analysis revealed that the tested oral rinses demonstrated in‐vitro antiviral activity against ACV‐resistant HSV. Comparative clinical trials are required to establish the clinical effectiveness of daily use of oral rinses in reducing the appearance of oral HSV lesions in immunocompromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Varicella zoster virus ( VZV) is a severe and preventable infection in immunosuppressed IBD patients. ECCO guidelines recommend VZV immunisation in patients with negative VZV exposure history. The value of patient-reported VZV exposure history for prediction of seropositivity in IBD patients remains unknown. Moreover, data on VZV immunity in adult IBD patients or accuracy of VZV serological testing under immunomodulator treatment is sparse. Aims The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for VZV- IgG in immunomodulator-treated IBD patients. A secondary aim was to establish the value of patient-reported history of past VZV infection for prediction of immunity, to validate the current vaccination strategy. Methods History of VZV-related illness was accessed by epidemiological questionnaire, and serological testing for VZV- IgG was performed. Serum anti- TNF medications levels were measured when applicable. Results One hundred twenty one IBD (86% Crohn's disease, mean age 37 ± 12.8) patients were included in the study. Immunomodulator therapy was received by 87% (anti- TNFs- 71%) of the patients. Previous exposure to VZV was reported by 104 patients, and 97/104 (93%) were VZV- IgG seropositive. Seventeen patients, all seropositive, reported negative exposure history. The calculated positive and negative predictive values for the reported history of VZV exposure were 93% and 0% respectively. Conclusions Negative history of VZV exposure is a poor predictor of seronegativity. History-positive patients may still be seronegative and exposed to VZV infection. We suggest serological testing of all IBD patients with subsequent immunisation of the seronegative patients before initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]