Herpesvirus infections Flashcards
How is herpes infection of the mouth and lips and in the eye treated in individuals with good immune function?
Topical antiviral drug such as aciclovir within 5 days of the appearance of the infection
How is severe infection, neonatal herpes infection or infection in immunocompromised individuals treated?
Systemic antiviral drugs such as aciclovir
What age groups require treatment with a parenteral anti-viral for chickenpox?
Neonates, below 1 month old (AND)
Immunocompromised patients and those at special risk (severe cardiovascular or respiratory disease or chronic skin disorder) for 10 days (7 days of parenteral treatment).
How do you treat adolescents and adults with chickenpox?
Start antiviral therapy within 72 hours of the onset of rash and continue for 7-10 days.
How do you treat genital herpes?
With famciclovir (or) valaciclovir
What anti-viral is licensed for preventing cytomegalovirus disease following solid organ transplantation?
Valaciclovir
What medication can be used for mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus infection unresponsive to aciclovir in immunocompromised patients?
Foscarnet sodium
What are the risks associated with foscarnet sodium?
Renal impairment
How do you treat cytomegalovirus infection (CMV)?
With ganciclovir as an initial treatment.
What is the risk associated with using ganciclovir and zidovudine?
Profound myelosuppression.
How do you treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in AIDS patients?
With valganciclovir for initial and maintenance treatment.
What should patients be advised when taking ganciclovir and valganciclovir?
Men should use barrier contraception during and for at least 90 days after treatment. Ganciclovir may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during and for at least 30 days after treatment.
What should patients be advised when taking foscarnet sodium?
Men should avoid fathering a child during and for 6 months after treatment.
