Related Experiment Videos
Acyclovir-resistant varicella-zoster virus: phenotypic and genetic characterization
A M Fillet1, B Dumont, E Caumes
1Virology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.
Journal of Medical Virology
|June 13, 1998
Summary
Acyclovir-resistant Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) emerged in an AIDS patient due to a novel thymidine kinase gene mutation. This study highlights VZV drug resistance mechanisms and informs antiviral therapy for immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Acyclovir is a primary antiviral medication used to treat Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections.
- Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are susceptible to severe VZV infections and potential drug resistance.
Observation:
- A patient with AIDS developed acyclovir-resistant VZV (shingles) on their right arm.
- VZV isolates cultured before and after acyclovir treatment showed increased resistance.
Findings:
- A novel mutation (C to T at position 907 in the thymidine kinase gene) was identified in the resistant VZV isolate.
- This mutation resulted in a premature stop codon in the thymidine kinase protein, leading to acyclovir resistance.
- The drug sensitivity assay demonstrated a significant increase in acyclovir's IC50 from 6.5 microM to 100 microM.
Implications:
- This research identifies a new mechanism of acyclovir resistance in VZV.
- Understanding these resistance pathways is crucial for managing VZV in immunocompromised populations.
- Highlights the importance of monitoring viral drug resistance in patients undergoing antiviral therapy.