8. Antiviral Agents Flashcards
What is a virus?
An obligate intracellular parasite with no cell wall/membrane that is capable of causing disease in the infected host.
What is the range of size for viruses?
25-400 nanometres.
What do viral genomes consist of?
DNA or RNA.
How do viruses replicate?
Using host metabolic machinery, hide within host cell.
Why are there not many successful antivirals?
Because the virus is in the host cell so can’t prevent replication unless the host is injured too.
What are the 6 stages of viral replication?
Attachment, penetration, uncoating, replication/protein synthesis, assembly, release.
Name two antivirals used to treat influenza A and B.
Oseltamivir (tamiflu), zanamivir.
What is the route of administration for flu drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir?
Oseltamivir - oral, zanamivir - inhaled/intranasal.
What is the mechanism of action of flu drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir?
Neuraminidase inhibitors, blocks release of newly assembled influenza virions from the host cell.
How can resistance to flu drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir develop?
Mutation of neuraminidase so it doesn’t allow the drugs to bind well.
Why are flu drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir still used despite resistance?
The mutations causing resistance form less fit viruses whereby the virus is ineffective in its job of infecting so less severe disease state.
When are flu drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir administered to exert therapeutic effects?
Prophylactically to prevent infection or within 48 hours of infection to reduce intensity and duration of symptoms.
Which diseases are herpes viruses associated with?
Cold sores, encephalitis, genital infections.
Which antiviral is directed at herpes viruses?
Aciclovir (‘zovirax’).
What are the routes of administration for the herpes antiviral drug aciclovir?
IV, oral, or topical cream.
What is the mechanism of action for herpes antiviral drug aciclovir?
Purine/pyramidine analogues which are phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase (activates) to inhibit viral DNA synthesis.
How does resistance develop against herpes antiviral drug aciclovir?
Thymidine kinase enzyme mutation in virus which prevents binding to acyclovir so it can’t act as a false substrate in DNA replication.
When is herpes antiviral drug aciclovir active?
In acute phase of viral infection where patient is symptomatic, not in latent phase as prevention of outbreak.
Which antiviral treats cytomegalovirus?
Ganciclovir.
What is the route of administration for CMV antiviral drug ganciclovir?
IV to cross BBB.
When is CMV antiviral drug ganciclovir used?
For CMV retinitis in immunocompromised patient and CMV prophylaxis in transplant patients.