Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
05:53
Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
[Cytomegalovirus polyradiculomyelopathy in AIDS]
D T Jayaweera1, L I Cassetti, L Espinoza
1Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, USA.
Medicina
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Ganciclovir and foscarnet effectively treat cytomegalovirus polyradiculomyelopathy (CMV-PRAM) in AIDS patients. Most patients showed significant muscle strength improvement with these antiviral therapies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Virology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus polyradiculomyelomyelopathy (CMV-PRAM) is a serious complication in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- Effective treatment options for CMV-PRAM are crucial for improving patient outcomes and neurological function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ganciclovir, foscarnet, or their combination in treating CMV-PRAM.
- To assess the impact of these treatments on muscle strength recovery in affected patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seven AIDS patients diagnosed with CMV-PRAM.
- Muscle strength assessment using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.
- Treatment response classified by degree of muscle strength improvement on the MRC scale.
Main Results:
- Six out of seven patients demonstrated a good response to antiviral treatment.
- Patients achieved an MRC scale score of 4 or improved by at least 3 degrees.
- Both ganciclovir monotherapy and combination therapy with foscarnet showed positive results.
Conclusions:
- Ganciclovir, alone or in combination with foscarnet, is an effective treatment for CMV-PRAM in AIDS patients.
- Antiviral therapy can lead to significant improvements in muscle strength and neurological function.
- Further research may explore optimal dosing and duration for these treatments.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
01:17Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:19Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...