Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40943411›Full record

SynthesisInternational journal of molecular sciences2025

Topical and Systemic Therapeutic Approaches in the Treatment of Oral Herpes Simplex Virus Infection: A Systematic Review.

Antonio Mancini, Angelo Michele Inchingolo, Grazia Marinelli, Irma Trilli, Roberta Sardano, Carmela Pezzolla, Francesco Inchingolo, Andrea Palermo, Gianna Dipalma, Alessio Danilo Inchingolo

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in International journal of molecular sciences, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Review
  5. Article
  6. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Antonio ManciniDepartment of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-7103-4086
Angelo Michele InchingoloDepartment of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-0104-6337
Grazia MarinelliDepartment of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-9163-2350
Irma TrilliDepartment of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-2882-025X
Roberta SardanoDepartment of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.
Carmela PezzollaDepartment of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-6182-5581
Francesco InchingoloDepartment of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-3797-5883
Andrea PalermoDepartment of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
Gianna DipalmaDepartment of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.
Alessio Danilo InchingoloDepartment of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121 Bari, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-6366-1039

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections, caused primarily by HSV-1 and HSV-2, are among the most prevalent viral diseases worldwide, with recurrent manifestations that significantly affect quality of life. Therapeutic strategies include both topical and systemic interventions, each with distinct goals. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2005-2025) identified studies evaluating topical or systemic treatments for HSV. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting validated clinical outcomes. Topical treatments, including acyclovir cream, docosanol, and newer formulations, primarily reduce lesion duration and alleviate local symptoms when applied early. These interventions have limited systemic absorption and generally do not influence recurrence frequency. Novel delivery methods and combination strategies, such as acyclovir-hydrocortisone formulations or photodynamic therapy, may enhance local efficacy and symptom control. Systemic Therapies: Systemic antivirals, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, target both lesion resolution and recurrence prevention. Evidence from randomized trials supports their use for episodic and suppressive therapy, including short-course, high-dose regimens that improve adherence while controlling symptoms. Systemic therapy is particularly indicated for recurrent, disseminated, or high-risk infections. Topical and systemic therapies serve complementary roles in HSV management. Topical agents are useful for localized or initial episodes, while systemic therapy addresses broader clinical objectives, including recurrence reduction. Future research should focus on mechanism-based therapies, novel delivery systems, and standardized outcome measures to guide personalized treatment strategies. Emerging therapies targeting viral latency, immune modulation, and gene-editing technologies hold promise for long-term suppression and personalized management of HSV infections.

Indexed as

Antiviral AgentsHerpes SimplexStomatitis, HerpeticAcyclovirAdministration, TopicalHerpesvirus 1, HumanHumansValacyclovirAcyclovirAntiviral AgentsValacyclovirantiviral therapyherpes labialisHSV-1 infectionoral herpes simplex virusrecurrent herpessystemic treatmenttherapeutic strategiestopical treatmentviral latencyviral reactivation

Identifiers

PMID40943411
PMCPMC12428954

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.