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Cidofovir Activity against Poxvirus Infections.
Graciela Andrei1, Robert Snoeck
1Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KULeuven, Minderboredersstraat 10, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
Viruses
|October 14, 2011
Summary
Cidofovir (CDV) is an effective antiviral for treating DNA virus infections, including various poxviruses like smallpox and molluscum contagiosum. Its proven efficacy in human and animal models supports its use for treating and preventing poxvirus infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Antiviral Therapeutics
- DNA Virus Infections
Background:
- Cidofovir (HPMPC) is an acyclic nucleoside analog approved for cytomegalovirus retinitis.
- It exhibits broad-spectrum activity against DNA viruses, including herpes-, adeno-, polyoma-, papilloma-, and poxviruses.
- Poxviruses targeted include orthopox (e.g., vaccinia, variola, monkeypox), molluscipox (molluscum contagiosum), and parapox (orf).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the antiviral activity of cidofovir against poxviruses.
- To highlight its therapeutic and prophylactic potential for poxvirus infections.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo studies assessing cidofovir's efficacy against various DNA viruses.
- Clinical case reports of cidofovir use in treating poxvirus infections in immunocompromised patients.
Main Results:
- Cidofovir demonstrates in vitro activity against a range of poxviruses.
- In vivo studies confirm anti-poxvirus activity via different administration routes (intraperitoneal, intranasal, topical).
- Successful human treatments include recalcitrant molluscum contagiosum and orf virus in immunocompromised individuals.
Conclusions:
- Cidofovir is a valuable therapeutic agent against poxviruses.
- It holds significant potential for the treatment and short-term prophylaxis of orthopox-, parapox-, and molluscipoxvirus infections.
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