Herpes Group Virus Infections in the Compromised Host

There are six recognized members of the human herpes group of viruses. These include type 1 and type 2 herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), varicellazoster virus (VZV), and human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6). These ubiquitous double-stranded DNA viruses are relatively large and lipid-enveloped. The capacity to induce a state of latency in the infected host has been proved for all of the herpes viruses. That is, after primary infection, the viruses remain forever with the host with the possibility for subsequent reactivations. The mechanisms of these reactivations are not understood completely. Both primary infections and recurrences may be associated with clinical illness or may be asymptomatic. To a large extent, the status of the host immune system determines the severity of the infection and the likelihood of recurrences. In general, infections are more severe and recurrences are more frequent in the most compromised hosts. This review focuses on HSV-1 and HSV-2, with emphasis on neonatal infections and maternal genital infections as a source of infection in the newborn. The clinical illnesses caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2 are usually quite distinct. HSV-1 is the predominant cause of oral, ocular, and central nervous system infections occurring after the neonatal period, and HSV-2 is the predominant cause of genital and neonatal infections.

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Clinical characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus infections in healthy versus previously compromised host

Pediatric Pulmonology ◽

10.1002/ppul.1950070309 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 167-170 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Kathleen Meert ◽

Sabrina Heidemann ◽

Mary Lieh-Lai ◽

Ashok P. Sarnaik

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Virus Infections ◽

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections ◽

Compromised Host ◽

Syncytial Virus

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Species Differences in the Metabolism and Disposition of Antiviral Nucleoside Analogues: 1. Acyclovir

Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1177/095632029200300101 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

P. de Miranda ◽

S. S. Good

Keyword(s):

Therapeutic Agent ◽

Species Differences ◽

Antiviral Drug ◽

Clinical Development ◽

Virus Infections ◽

Dna Viruses ◽

Varicella Zoster ◽

Acyclic Nucleoside ◽

Herpes Group ◽

Antiviral Nucleoside

The acyclic nucleoside analogue, acyclovir, is an antiviral drug with activity against the herpes group of DNA viruses. Clinically, it is used as a selective therapeutic agent for the treatment of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus infections. Studies on the disposition of acyclovir, during the course of its preclinical and clinical development, indicated significant species differences in the absorption, metabolism and elimination of the drug. Gastrointestinal absorption was adequate in dogs and in mice; but in rats and primates it was limited to less than 20% of the administered dose. Whereas in some species (mice, rats, and dogs), acyclovir was virtually unmetabolized, significant biotransformation was apparent in guinea pigs, rabbits, and some primates. Acyclovir tissue distribution was extensive and indicated few differences across species. This review summarizes diverse studies on acyclovir absorption, metabolism, and disposition in different species, including humans, and indicates the relevance and importance of such studies in drug development.

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