Successful treatment of enterovirus-infected mice by 2-(α-Hydroxybenzyl)-benzimidazole and guanidine*

Abstract

Echo virus 9- or Coxsackie A 9-infected newborn mice are protected from paralysis and death by combined treatment with nontoxic concentrations of HBB plus guanidine. HBB alone also protects Coxsackie A 9, but not echo virus 9-infected animals, whereas guanidine alone is ineffective in either case. Protection is due to inhibition of virus multiplication via the antiviral activity of these selective inhibitors. Treatment must be begun a t the latest 48 h after virus inoculation. 3 days of treatment are sufficient if started at the time of virus inoculation. Failure of protection after treatment with one compound alone is not due to rapid development of drug-resistant virus mutants. Infected, successfully treated mice may develop a solid immunity. © 1976, Rockefeller University Press., All rights reserved.