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Advances in antiviral therapy

D E Dwyer1, A M Kesson

  • 1Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, ICPMR, NSW, Australia.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|February 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Newer antiviral drugs are replacing acyclovir for adult herpes infections, though it remains crucial for severe cases. Pediatric data for newer antivirals and optimal HIV treatments are still developing.

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Acyclovir has been a long-standing treatment for herpes simplex and varicella zoster infections.
  • Newer antiviral agents like famciclovir and valaciclovir offer improved bioavailability and dosing for adult herpes management.
  • Severe herpes infections in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals still rely on acyclovir.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of antiviral treatments for various herpesviruses.
  • To highlight the limitations in pediatric data for newer antiherpes drugs.
  • To discuss the challenges and future directions in treating cytomegalovirus and HIV infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of antiviral therapies for herpesviruses.
  • Analysis of current treatment guidelines and clinical data.
  • Examination of pediatric data availability for antiviral drugs.

Main Results:

  • Acyclovir remains essential for severe herpes infections, while newer drugs are preferred for outpatient adult treatment.
  • Ganciclovir and foscarnet treatment for cytomegalovirus infections is hampered by toxicity.
  • Significant advances in pediatric HIV treatment include reduced vertical transmission with zidovudine, but optimal antiretroviral regimens require further study.

Conclusions:

  • While newer antivirals are emerging, acyclovir retains importance for severe herpes cases.
  • Further research is needed to establish effective and safe antiviral regimens for children, particularly for HIV and cytomegalovirus.
  • The effectiveness of ribavirin and interferons for specific viral infections requires more investigation.

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