Viral infections, treatment

Ara-A-5 -monophosphate [29984-33-6] (ara-AMP), C2QH24N OyP, is more water-soluble than ara-A, and therefore can be used in higher dosage during the first hours of treatment of viral infections. Ara-AMP has been shown to decrease virion-associated DNA polymerase concentrations in ground squirrels carrying ground squirrel hepatitis vims. The hypoxanthine derivative, ara-HxMP [54656-49-4] (24) is more water-soluble, appears to have a similar antiviral spectmm to ara-A, and is considerably less toxic (48). 

Viral infections continue to be significant causes of morbidity and mortality and at the same time continue to be resistant to treatment by small molecules. Avridine (6) is an antiviral compound which has shown some activity in a variety of animal tests apparently based upon its ability to stimulate a number of cells to produce the high molecular weight endogenous antiviral substance interferon. Thus, the compound is believed to operate indirectly by stimulating the body s own natural defenses against viral penetration into host cells. Avridine is synthesized by... 

Antimicrobial drugs are used for the treatment of diseases caused by microorganisms (bacterial or viral infections). 

Interferon beta-la (AVONEX , Rebif ), interferon beta-lb (Betaferon ), and interferon beta (Fiblaferon ) are applied in multiple sclerosis to reduce both frequency and severity of disease incidents and for the treatment of severe viral infections. In multiple sclerosis, DFN- 3 proteins modulate the destruction of myelin in the cause of the autoimmune reaction. 

Before therapy is begun, culture and sensitivity tests (see Chap. 7) are performed to determine which antibiotic will best control the infection. These drug are of no value in the treatment of infections caused by a virus or fungus. There may be times when a secondary bacterial infection has occurred or potentially will occur when the patient has a fungal or viral infection. The primary health care provider may then order one of die... 

Promoting an Optimal Response to Therapy Because these dru may be used in the treatment of certain types of severe and sometimes life-threatening viral infections, the patient may be concerned about the diagnosis and prognosis. The nurse should allow the patient time to talk and ask questions about methods of treatment, especially when the drug is given IV. It is important to explain the treatment methods to the patient and family members. 

Various types of preparations are used for the treatment of ophthalmic (eye) disorders such as glaucoma to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP), bacteria or viral infections of the eye, inflammatory conditions, and symptoms of allergy related to the eye... 

Treatment of Other Viral Infections with Type IIFN... 

Abstract In 2007, the world celebrated the 50th anniversary of the discovery of interferon (IFN) by Isaacs and Lindemnann. Subsequently, the IFN-a gene was cloned, fully sequenced and IFN-a was produced in recombinant form. Recombinant IFN-a is now used as the basis for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection and can also be used to treat certain forms of chronic hepatitis B virus infections. IFNs have also been used in other viral infections, although with less success. The antiviral mechanisms of IFNs are reviewed in this chapter as well as the utility of IFNs in the treatment of persistent viral infections. 

Other IFNs that can be used in the treatment of viral infections include IFN-P, IFN-m, a molecule that is more potent than its nonglycosylated form, which itself has activity comparable to that of IFN-a (Buckwold et al. 2007), and that will be delivered continuously by an implantable device, IFN-y and 1FN-A,1, a pegylated form of which will soon be available. 

Table 4 Treatment of viral infections other than chronic viral hepatitis and HIV with type I IFNs...

In conclusion, IFNs have proven to be invaluable tools in the fight against chronic viral hepatitis. In these indications, their antiviral properties play a major role and it remains unclear whether their immunomodulatory properties are also important. Disappointing results obtained with purely immunomodulatory molecules, such as interleukins or Toll-like receptor agonists suggest that, if immunomodulation plays any role, potent inhibition of viral replication is also needed. The role of IFNs in the treatment of viral infections other than hepatitis B and C remains elusive. 

In pharmacology, two adamantane derivatives. Amantadine (1-adamanta-neamine hydrochloride) and Rimantadine (a-methyl-1-adamantane methyla-mine hydrochloride) (see Fig. 24), have been well known because of their antiviral activity [129]. The main application of these drugs is prophylaxis (treatment to prevent the onset of a particular disease) and treatment of influenza-A viral infections. They are also used in the treatment of parkinsonism and inhibition of hepatitis-C virus. Memantine (1-amino-3,5-dimethyladaman-tane) (see Fig. 24) has been reported effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer s disease [130]. 

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