Stepanov M.I. 1
Arkhipov G.S. 2
1 Novgorod Regional Hospital
2 Nizhny Novgorod State University. Yaroslav the Wise
The article represents historical review of application of vitamins and minerals for treatment recurrent herpes simplex infections. It is now known 13 vitamins and 10 essential trace elements for the immune system. Recurrent herpes simplex infections are markers of immune deficiency. Insufficiency of essential micronutrients may be a risk factor for relapsing lesions of HSV-1 or HSV-2. At first, the researchers focused on the ability of vitamins and trace substances to suppression viral replication in vitro. Antiviral activity was a basis for developments of approaches to treatment. Nucleoside and nucleotide analogues have proven to be an effective approach toward the development of antiviral compounds. However, no treatment can prevent HSV reactivation. Numerous studies can provide valuable insight for understanding micronutrients requirements as they relate to innate and adaptive immune responses during infectious diseases. Occasionally studies have assessed influence vitamins on immune response to herpes simplex viruses. Deficiency of vitamins A, E, D leads to disturbance the functional activity of natural and antigen-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes, disruption of cytokine production. It is necessary to change the approach to use of vitamins and trace substances in the management of recurrent herpes simplex infections. Essential micronutrients are not antiviral drugs. However, they are important natural remedies for immune system.