Combination of Azidothymidine (AZT) and (E)-5-(2-Bromovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine (BVDU) Inhibits the Replication of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Type 2 (HSV-2) and Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Strains That Are Deficient in the Expression of the Viral Thymidine Kinase (tk)

Combinations of high concentrations of AZT with BVDU, acyclovir (ACV) or ganciclovir (GCV) show antagonism against TK+ HSV-1, but not TK+ VZV strains, in cell cultures. When BVDU and AZT were used in combination against TK− HSV-1, TK− HSV-2 and TK− VZV strains, a pronounced inhibition of viral replication was observed. This potentiating effect was not seen if AZT was combined with ACV or GCV.