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The efficacy of a single intracutaneous BCG injection in prevention of recurrent herpes simplex (HS) was investigated in Tine-test-negative people. Most patients had a recurrence rate of HS of at least once per month. Between 1976 and 1983 109 patients were BCG-vaccinated (BCG sec Berna). Tine-test was negative in all subjects and converted to positive in 106 out of 109 patients after vaccination. Patients suffered from HS for many years and thus acted as their own controls comparing them before and after BCG. After vaccination all patients remained herpes-free for at least 4-6 months. In a separate study a follow-up up to 10 years was done. This showed a decreasing effect of BCG over the years with still 21 (19%) completely herpes-free patients after 3 years. 10 patients (9%) even had been free of herpes for more than 6 years. Reduction of frequency and duration of HS after BCG was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). Since the BCG vaccination can be assumed to be virtually without risk, a Tine-test followed by BCG vaccination should be considered as treatment of choice in patients with recurrent HS for prevention of recurrences.

Data on systemic side effects (SSE) of specific immunotherapy of allergic diseases recorded in 99 publications over the past 10 years were evaluated and compared with the figure of 0.4% SSE, according to number of injections, published in 1987 by the authors of the present study. The latter figure ranks among the lowest of comparable publications and under present conditions represents the standard. Reasons for the small number of side effects may be found in persistent use of antihistamine premedication before each injection and reduction of vaccination dosage to 50,000 SQ units maximally. Chemically modified allergens are by no means less liable to produce side effects than other allergens. The comparison was undertaken with respect to the following preparations: Alavac P, Allergovit, Allpyral, Alutard, Aquagen (ALK aqueous), Conjuvac, Diephuis, Migen, Novo Helisen, Pangramin Depot, Pharmalgen, Pollinex, Reless, Spectralgen, Stallergenes Depot, and some vaccines, prepared by the authors themselves.