Antifungals Flashcards
What types of treatment are used for viral infections in veterinary practice?
- Antiviral chemotherapy
- Immunomodulation - IFN/IL
- Passive immunity
- Therapeutic vaccination
- Chemovaccination
- Supportive and symptomatic
Why are antivirals not commonly used in vet med?
- Expensive
- Little development of drugs for animals
- Niche market - SA/equine
When are antivirals used in viral infection?
In chronic viral infection/ early caught acute infection since clinical signs often persist beyond elimination of viral load (no need for antivirals)
Outline the potential mechanisms of action for antiviral drugs.
(x7)
They act upon a viral lifecycle stage which is unique to the viral, not the host cell.
- Attachment
- Penetration
- Uncoating
- Transcription & replication - most drugs act here
- Translation
- Virus assembly
- Release
This antiviral drug has been used to treat FHV but has been seen to have no in vitro effect.
Famciclovir
These antiviral drugs, used to treat FHV, are effective against the virus but are toxic at high doses.
Idoxuridine, trifluridine
Ribavirin has been used to treat which feline viral disease. What effect does it have on the disease process?
FIP
Has a synergistic effect when given with IFNalpha. It doesn’t prevent death but delays time until death.
This antiviral drug has been used to treat FIV. Strangely it reduces clinical signs in cats but does not reduce viral load.
AZT
Which sterol makes up the fungal cell membrane? Is this different to mammals?
Fungi cell membranes are 1/4 ergosterol, in mammals this fraction is made up of glycerol.
How is ergosterol produced in the fungal cell?
Acetyl CoA > Lanosterol >> Lanosterol 14 a-demethylase>> Ergosterol
This class of antifungals targets and inhibits Lanosterol 14 a-demethylase.
What effect does this have on the fungal cell?
Azoles
Causes increased cell permeability and cell death
There are two classes of Azole antifungals, name them and specific drugs from each class.
(HINT: TIFV, IKMEC)
- Triazoles:
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
- Voriconazole
- Imidazoles:
- Ketoconazole
- Micoazole
- Enilconazole
- Clotrimazole
What side effects can be caused by Azole use? (x6)
Which species is more sensitive?
- Gastrointestinal
- Hepatotoxicity
- Thrombocytopenia
- Teratogenic
- Hormone suppression
- Vasculitis with itraconazole at higher doses
Cats appear more sensitive.
Teratogenic
An agent which can disturb the normal development of the embryo or foetus
What ratio of excretion from biliary and renal system is seen with Azoles?
biliary : renal
80:20