Poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate): An effective candidate topical antimicrobial for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

Betsy C. Herold, Nigel Bourne, Daniel Marcellino, Risa Kirkpatrick, Daniel M. Strauss, Lourens J.D. Zaneveld, Donald P. Waller, Robert A. Anderson, Calvin J. Chany, Beverly J. Barham, Lawrence R. Stanberry, Morris D. Cooper

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

Presently marketed vaginal barrier agents are cytotoxic and damage the vaginal epithelium and natural vaginal flora with frequent use. Novel noncytotoxic agents are needed to protect women from sexually transmitted diseases. One candidate compound is a high-molecular-mass form of soluble poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (T-PSS). The antimicrobial activity of T- PSS was evaluated in primary culture systems and in a genital herpes murine model. Results obtained indicate that T-PSS is highly effective against herpes simplex viruses, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia trachomatis in vitro. A 5% T-PSS gel protected 15 of 16 mice from vaginal herpes, compared with 2 of 16 mice treated with a placebo gel. Moreover, T-PSS exhibited little or no cytotoxicity and has an excellent selectivity index. T-PSS is an excellent candidate topical antimicrobial that blocks adherence of herpes simplex virus at low concentrationS, inactivates virus at higher concentrations, and exhibits a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)770-773
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume181
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate): An effective candidate topical antimicrobial for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this