Session 5

Question 1

Broadly what in the main mechanism of action for antivirals?

Answer 1

Virostatic (virucidal only used topically occasionaly)

Question 2

What are the different methods antivirals can inhibit viral replication?

Answer 2

Fusion/entry inhibitors, reverse transcriptase inibitors, integrase inhibitors, protease inhibitors

Question 3

How do immunomodulator antivirals work?

Answer 3

Replace deficient host immunity (immunoglobulins)

Enhance host immunity (e.g. interferons, imiquimod)

Question 4

What is the first line treatment for chronic hepatitis B?

Answer 4

48 week course of peginterferon alfa-2a

2nd line - Entecavir

Question 5

What is the drug treatment for hepatitis C?

Answer 5

Peginterferon and ribavirin

Question 6

Why are 3 different drugs often used for antiretroviral therapy?

Answer 6

They each affect a different step of the viral replication cycle making treatment more successful and reduces chance of resistance (often just one pill but 3 drugs inside)

Question 7

Give examples of uses for prophylaxis of bacterial infections

Answer 7

Peri operative - prevention of surgical site infections
Short term - meningitis contacts
Long term - asplenia, immunodeficiency

Question 8

What are the different types of antibiotic adverse effects?

Answer 8

Pharmacological - toxicities, drug interactions
Allergic reactions
Impact on normal flora e.g. Clostridium difficile

Question 9

What antibiotics need to be monitored?

Answer 9

Gentamicin (aminoglycoside)

Vancomycin (glycopeptide)

Question 10

What are the general principles to prevent antibiotic resistance?

Answer 10

Prevent bacterial exposure to antibiotics - minimise risk of infection and control antibiotic prescribing
Preventing the spread of resistant bacteria - hand hygeine, isolation, decolonisation of patients