Antiviral Activity of Lysozyme Against Herpes Simplex Virus Typee I

Objective: The antiviral effect of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL)against herpes simplex virus type 1 (hHSV-1) was examined. Materials and methods: The experiment was done in vitro on BHK-21 cells, using Genciclovir and 0.5% SDS as control. Data elaboration was carried out by calculation of the cytopathic effect(CPE). Results: The mininum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of HEWL to HSV-1 was 104.17 ug/ml, therapeutic index (TI) was 10.67. The total and 50% BHK-21 cell toxic concentration of HEWL to BHK-21 cells were all > 1000 ug/ml. The MIC of Genciclovir to HSV-1 was 7.81 ug/ml, TI was 64, The total and 50% BHK-21 cell toxic concentration of Genciclovir to BHK-21 cells were all > 500 ug/ml. 0.5% SDS blocked the antiviral activity of HEWL completely. Conclusions: HEWL inhibites the activity of HSV-1 and the inhibitive effect is roughly proportional to the enzyme concentration.