Oral poliovirus vaccine in management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) is reported to be effective in treatment of recurrent herpes simplex (RHS). According to our observation during recent years, OPV was not only effective in management of RHS but also in some patients with concomitant recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) reducing its severity and frequency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of OPV in the management of RAS. In a longitudinal, case--control study 48 patients with RAS were recruited. Twenty patients received OPV and 28 patients received placebo. OPV was administered in a dose of 4 drops at monthly intervals for 3 months to the study group while the control group received placebo. The results were registered in 3 months after the last dose. Eight cases (40%) in the OPV group showed significant reduction in the duration of the ulcers, while no change was seen in the control group (P = 0.048). The frequency of recurrence of RAS was reduced in 13 cases (65%) in the OPV group, and in 6 cases (21.4%) of the placebo group (P = 0.006). The severity of attacks was reduced in 12 cases (60%) in the OPV group and in 4 cases (14.3%) in the placebo group (P = 0.008). In conclusion OPV appeared to be effective in the management of RAS.