CompletedNot Applicable

Immune Response to the Consumption of Lactobacillus GG and FOS in Patients With Recurrent Herpes Labialis

78 participantsStarted 2008-12-15

Plain-language summary

Background: Herpes labialis is the result of the presence of Herplex Simplex Virus -1 (HSV-1) and is a common disease in the population. Because of its visibility it has a serious impact on social life and the feeling of well-being in people who suffer from this disease. Until now there is no effective treatment and no remedy for prevention of the virus outbreak. Prebiotics and probiotics have both been shown to have a favorable and supportive effect on the immune system in different health conditions such as influenza, atopic dermatitis and diarrhea. So far no study has addressed the effect of the consumption of pre- and/or probiotics in a population with recurrent herpes labialis. Aim of the study: The present study investigated the effect of pre- or probiotics or a combination of the two on the recurrence of herpes labialis lesions as well as on the immune system in general. Design: 78 Patients were eligible to participate in the study and after a run-in period of two weeks consuming a placebo minidrink were randomized to one of the four experimental groups, these were: placebo minidrink (n=), prebiotic (fructooligosaccharides) minidrink (n=), probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or LGG) minidrink (n=) or a minidrink containing a combination of a pre- and probiotic. These minidrinks were consumed for another 5 weeks. At day 33 of the study the lip most prone to the development of a lesion was stimulated with UVB in order to provoke a lesion. During the entire study period subjects were checked for any clinical signs of a lesion, completed a self-assessment regarding the lesion and a quality of life questionnaire at baseline (day 14) and the end of the study (day 49). In addition, a blood sample was collected at baseline and at the end of the study to be analyzed for general and HSV-specific antibodies, intracellular cytokine concentrations and parameters of the innate immune response such as natural killer cell activity and phagocytosis.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy free-living men and women aged 18 to 65 years-old * History of recurrent herpes labialis at most 3 episodes after exposure to sunlight in the previous 12 months * Fitzpatrick skin type 1 to 4 * No presence of herpes labialis lesion at the time of recruitment * Consent to the study and to comply with study product * Agreement to adhere to the prescribed list of food and nutrients as provided at the start of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of acute/terminal disease * Intolerance for milk protein or lactose * Daily consumption of probiotic products 1 month before start of the study * Treatment with acyclovir or other medication believed to interfere with immune responses at the time of the study * Participation in any herpes UVB reactivation study within the previous three months * Episode of herpes labialis within 30 days before enrolment in the study

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Incidence rate of ultraviolet exposure-lesion

Timeframe: Day 42

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03307772

SponsorSprim Advanced Life Sciences

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2009-09-16

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Herpes Labialis trials