Therapeutic Interventions for Non-HIV Viral Infections

Question 1

Viruses (characteristics)

Answer 1

• intracellular parasites and require cellular machinery to reproduce
• a virion - mature infective virus particle

Question 2

General structure of a virus

Answer 2

• nucleic acid (RNA or DNA)

- capsid (protein coat) surrounded by phospholipid envelope, glycoproteins, and other signaling molecules

Question 3

Stages of Virus Infection (5)

Answer 3

attachment to host cell
penetration of genes and enzymes
synthesis of nucleic acid and proteins (provirus) 
assembly
release of virions

Question 4

How antiviral drugs work

Answer 4

• target specific structure or aspect of the replication cycle
• boost immune system response to viral antigens

Question 5

Challenges to antiviral drugs

Answer 5

rapid mutation rate of viruses
in antiviral is given at high dose, it can affect the healthy body cells
antiviral meds have a very narrow spectrum of activity. Can only work at specific times

Question 6

One highly successful way to treat viruses

Answer 6

• a competent immune system

Question 7

High-risk groups

Answer 7

1. cancer patients
2. transplant patients
3. HIV/AIDS patients
4. Chronic disease patients

Question 8

5 types of herpes virus

Answer 8

1. HSV type 1 (eyes, mouth, lips, genitals)
2. HSV type 2 (genital infections)
3. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (immunocompromised patients)
4. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (mononucleosis, Burkett’s lymphoma)

Question 9

Prototype Drug: Acyclovir (Zovirax)

1. therapeutic effects and uses:
2. mechanism of action
3. Adverse effects
4. Serious adverse effects
5. Nursing considerations

Answer 9

1. herpesviruses, HSV-1, HSV-2, only effective against CMV at high doses
2. triphosphate form competes with guanine
3. few adverse effects. N&V, anorexia, skin irritation, localized pruritus, elevated liver enzymes
4. CNS side effects. Nephrotoxic when given IV
5. obtain complete health history, plan for patient to experience improved symptoms and to report any adverse effects. monitor fluid intake and output, monitor renal function, monitor for adverse effects and viral resistance

Question 10

Influenza Viruses

Answer 10

• three types - A,B,C
• type A is most common, most severe symptoms, multiple subtypes, and cause of serious pandemics
• type B and C are less common, milder, no major subtypes

Question 11

Drugs for influenza viruses: Neuraminidase Inhibitors (Oseltamivir) 
1. indications
2. mechanism of action
3. Adverse effects
Vaccines

Answer 11

1. to manage active influenza infection
2. prevents release of virus from infected host cell
3. nausea and vomiting
   Annual flu shot

Question 12

Hepatitis Virus

Answer 12

• liver inflammation; may causes including hepatitis viruses (DNA)
• 5 types: A,B,C,D,E,

Question 13

Hep A

Answer 13

• has a vaccine

- usually resolves on its own. a milder form

Question 14

Hep B

Answer 14

Yes, there is a vaccine

treated with antivirals, interferons. needs to be treated

Question 15

Hep C, D, and E

Answer 15

• no vaccines because there are many subtypes and mutations for these strains
• less common than A, B. harder to get. Blood exposure. Risk is coming into contact with blood or body fluids

Question 16

Drugs for Hepatitis Viruses: Adefovir (Viread)

1. indications
2. mechanism of action
3. adverse effects

Answer 16

1. chronic hep B infections/combined infection with HIV
2. inhibits viral DNA
3. N&V/abdominal pain/headache and weakness