Inhibition of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in vitro infection by sulfated derivatives of Escherichia coli K5 polysaccharide

HSV1 and HSV2 are neurotropic viruses and common pathogens causing major public health problems such as genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease also correlated with increased transmission and replication of HIV1. Therefore compounds capable of blocking HIV1, HSV1, HSV2 transmission represent candidate microbicides with a potential added value over that of molecule acting selectively against either infection.We report here that sulfated derivatives of the Escherichia coli K5 polysaccharide structurally highly similar to heparin and previously shown to inhibit HIV1 entry and replication in vitro, also exert suppressive activities against both HSV1 and HSV2 infections