Antivirals

Question 1

5 main antivirals used

Answer 1

Acyclovir
Famciclovir
Trifluridine
Zidovudine
Ribavirin

Question 2

antiviral drugs overview

Answer 2

Limited safety and efficacy in animals
Widespread use not common
Drugs that negatively impact a virus are also likely to impact the host negatively
anti-virals have a narrow therapeutic margin
Anti-virals that inhibit singular steps are only temporary
Adequate immune response required

Question 3

2 approaches to antiviral treatment

Answer 3

Viral enzyme inhibition
Immune response enhancement

Question 4

What is interferon

Answer 4

inhibits viral synthesis in infected cells
FeLV and parvovirus uses

an immunomodulator and antiviral used to treat viral diseases in cats and dogs, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or papillomatosis. This medication is experimental in animals and studies are limited regarding its effectiveness and other factors

Question 5

Acyclovir- which viruses, examples etc.

Answer 5

Herpesvirus family
e.g. patchecho’s disease (parrots/cockatoos)

Relatively safe
resistance increasing

Question 6

Famciclovir

Answer 6

Herpesvirus (cats)

Longer duration fo action

Question 7

Trifluridine

Answer 7

Ocular herpes

Question 8

Zidovudine

Answer 8

Retroviruses
FeLV & FIV- useful in acute stages

Question 9

Ribavarin

Answer 9

Adenoviruses, herpesviruses, rotaviruses and retroviruses

resistance is rare
Greater complications- weight loss, anaemia, bone marrow compression