Antiviral Questions Flashcards
What is the term for the outmost layer that covers most viruses?
Viral envelope, composed of elements of the host
- cell membrane
- endoplasmic reticulum
- or nuclear envelope
What does the viral envelope cover?
Capsid
-shell composed of identical building blocks of capsomeres
What does the capsid protect?
Viral nucleic acid
-either DNA or RNA
–single or double stranded
Why do many viruses contain enzymes?
To catalyze reactions that
-lead to their replication
or
-cell entry
Can viruses self replicate?
No
- cannot synthesize their own components to replicate
- dependent on host cellular processes for all synthetic functions
What are virions?
Individual complete particles of virus
How do retroviruses work?
RNA genetic material translated into DNA via reverse transcriptase
- then integrates into the host genome
- then transcription into mRNA
- then translation into protein
- then viral enzymes assemble the pieces of the puzzle into complete virions
- then released from the cell
For viral infections, are patient specific susceptibility results available?
Rarely
- therapies chosen based upon general patterns of susceptibility for that type of virus
- HIV is the exception
Can viruses be cultured?
Yes, but:
-many viral illnesses diagnosed through genetic testing for viral antigens or nucleic acids
How are viral infection followed to see if they improve?
Usually symptoms followed
-tests are not usually followed quantitatively
Which agents are primarily used against herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VSV)?
- acyclovir
- valacyclovir
- famciclovir
How is acyclovir’s absorption orally?
Poor
-must be given up to five times daily
Which HSV/VZV agent is the only one available in an IV form?
Acyclovir
What are valacyclovir and famciclovir?
Pro-drugs
- absorbed better
- can be administered less frequently
What is the agent of choice for serious HSV infections (ex: encephalitis)?
Acyclovir
What is the MOA of anti-HSV/VZV agents?
Nucleoside analogs that (after phosphorylation) are incorporated into the elongating viral DNA strand just like cellular nucleotides
- lack the functional group that allows the next nucleotide to be added
- halts replication
What organisms do anti-HSV/VZV agents have GOOD activity against?
- HSV-1
- HSV-2
What organisms do anti-HSV/VZV agents have MODERATE activity against?
-VZV
What organisms do anti-HSV/VZV agents have POOR activity against?
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- HIV
How are anti-HSV/VZV agents tolerated?
Generally well tolerated with few adverse effects
What is the most concerning adverse effect of anti-HSV/VZV agents?
Nephrotoxicity
-through either crystallization
or
-acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)
-most commonly associated with higher doses of IV acyclovir
How can acyclovir crystallization be prevented?
- hydration
- correct dosing in renally impaired patients
What are some CNS effects that can occur with anti-HSV/VZV agents?
- seizures
- tremors
- other CNS effects
What are the more common adverse effects associated with anti-HSV/VZV agents?
- nausea
- diarrhea
- rash
What adverse effect has been reported with valacyclovir in HIV patients?
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
What is valacyclovir?
Pro-drug of acyclovir
- substantially improved bioavailability
- less frequent dosing
- higher cost
What is famciclovir?
Pro-drug of penciclovir
-penciclovir only available as a topical preparation
Describe acyclovir dosing.
Varies widely by:
- indication
- host status
When is acyclovir most toxic?
When given in combination with:
-diuretics
or
-other nephrotoxins
-keep patients hydrated during therapy (especially if given in higher IV doses)
What is the acyclovir the drug of choice for?
Severe or difficult to treat HSV infections; ex:
- encephalitis
- severe HSV outbreaks among HIV patients
What can infections can any anti-HSV/VZV agent be used to treat?
HSV-2 infections (genital herpes)
-to prevent outbreaks
or
-decrease symptom duration
Effective in treating VZV infection
What is one thing to consider when prescribing anti-HSV/VZV agents?
Cost
-oral acyclovir is less convenient but much less expensive
What are the anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) agents?
- Gangciclovir
- Valgangciclovir
- foscarnet
- cidofovir
Describe CMV.
- causes infections that are usually asymptomatic in immunocompetent patients but devastating in immunocompromised patients
- ~60% of Americans become seropositive for CMV by adulthood; infection is lifelong
How do anti-CMV agents work?
Prevent viral replication
What is the MOA of val/gangciclovir?
Nucleoside analogue
- after phosphorylation, integrates into viral DNA by DNA polymerase
- halts viral replication
What is the MOA of cidofovir?
Nucleotide analogue
-similar MOA to gangciclovir
What is the MOA of foscarnet?
Pyrophosphate analogue
-acts as a noncompetetive inhibitor of the DNA and RNA polymerase of multiple viruses
What organisms do anti-CMV agents have GOOD activity against?
- CMV
- HSV-1
- HSV-2
- VZV
- EBV
What organisms do anti-CMV agents have POOR activity against?
-HIV
What are adverse effects that can occur from any anti-CMV agent?
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
What are the adverse effects of val/gangciclovir?
Myelosuppression
- dose dependent
- relatively common
- particularly when used in higher doses or in renally impaired patients without dose adjustment
What are adverse effects of foscarnet?
- nephrotoxic
- neurotoxic
- penile ulcers
- reserved for patients who have failed other therapy
What adverse effect dose cidofovir cause?
Exhibits nephrotoxicity
-uncommonly used drug
What drug has replaced oral gangciclovir?
Valgangciclovir
-has much better bioavailability
What are some considerations when dosing gangciclovir?
- patient weight
- renal function
What does the package insert of valgangciclovir specify for dose adjustments?
Adjustments based on renal function but not weight
-dose reduction should be considered in underweight patients (especially if at high risk of toxicity)
What strengths is valgangciclovir available in?
- 900mg
- 450mg
How does valgangciclovir compare to gangciclovir in regards to dosing?
900mg BID of valgangciclovir considered equivalent to 5mg/kg q12h of IV gangciclovir
- may be much more for an underweight patient
- about 60% bioavailable
What is required with foscarnet and cidofovir to reduce the risk of nephrotoxicity?
Extensive prehydration regimens with normal saline
Which drug is coadministered with cidofovir?
Probenecid
-reduces excretion of cidofovir into the renal tubules and lessens the toxicity
Is genotype based susceptibility testing available for CMV?
Yes
-performed if resistance suspected in patients not responding to gangciclovir
What does genotype based susceptibility testing for CMV reveal?
- whether gangciclovir resistance present
- whether cidofovir or foscarnet are therapeutic options
What are gangciclovir and valgangciclovir first line drugs for?
Treatment and prevention of CMV infections
What is valgangciclovir often given for?
Prevent CMV infections after transplant
What is foscarnet used for?
- 2nd line agent for CMV
- can also be used for severe or resistant HSV infections
What is cidofovir used for?
2nd line agent for CMV
What is something to consider when prescribing valgangciclovir?
- oral
- has good bioavailability
- adverse effects identical to those of gangciclovir (requires same rigorous toxicity monitoring as for IV gangciclovir)
Name the neuraminidase inhibitors?
- Oseltamivir (oral pro-drug)
- peramivir (IV)
- zanamivir (inhaled)
What are neuraminidase inhibitors used for?
Treatment or prophylaxis of influenza for those who cannot take the vaccine
-active against both A and B strains
What strains of influenza are amantadine and rimantadine good for?
Only A strains
How do neuraminidase inhibitors work?
Prevent the viral neuraminidase enzyme from releasing new virions from the host cell
-prevents further replication
What is the MOA of neuraminidase inhibitors?
Competitive inhibitors of viral neuraminidase
- an enzyme responsible for several functions of the influenza virus
- including release of new virions from infected cells
Are neuraminidase inhibitors active against any other viruses besides influenza?
No
How are the neuraminidase inhibitors tolerated?
Generally well tolerated
What are the adverse effects of oseltamivir use?
Transient effects
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain