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Therapy of herpes virus infections in children
1The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. RWhitley@peds.uab.edu
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 16, 2008
Insights
Pediatric viral infection treatments for HSV, VZV, and CMV have advanced. However, significant unmet needs remain for diseases like hepatitis B, C, and RSV, requiring new drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Viral infections pose a significant health burden in children.
- Advances in antiviral therapies have improved outcomes for some common childhood viral illnesses.
- Existing treatments do not address all pediatric viral diseases effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of antiviral treatments for children.
- To identify pediatric viral infections with unmet medical needs.
- To highlight areas for future drug discovery and development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric antiviral therapies.
- Analysis of licensed and investigational treatments.
- Identification of disease areas with limited therapeutic options.
Main Results:
- Significant progress is noted for herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) treatments in children.
- Licensed influenza therapies are available but not detailed in this review.
- Numerous viral diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), represent critical unmet needs in pediatric populations.
Conclusions:
- While progress has been made, many pediatric viral infections still lack effective treatments.
- Dedicated drug discovery efforts are crucial for addressing these unmet medical needs.
- Future research should focus on developing novel therapies for diseases like hepatitis B, C, and RSV in children.
Abstract:
Significant progress has been made in the treatment of viral infections in children, particularly those caused by HSV, varicella-zoster virus and cytomegalovirus. While not discussed in this review, licensed therapies are available for influenza infection in children as well. However, and notably so, numerous viral diseases of children represent unmet medical needs and warrant dedicated drug discovery efforts, including hepatitis B and C, and respiratory syncytial virus, among others.
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