Chapter 12. Antiviral Agents

摘要: This chapter discusses the agents with activity primarily against RNA viruses. The communicable diseases of respiratory tract are probably most common cause symptomatic human infections. viruses that causative for disease comprise five taxonomically distinct families: orthomyxoviridae, paramyxoviridae, picornaviridae, coronaviridae, and adenoviridae. influenza viruses, which consist types A, B, C, belong to family orthomyxoviridae. Types A B have been associated significant increases in mortality during epidemics. may be asymptomatic or symptoms ranging from cold fatal pneumonia. Immunization has recommended high-risk groups antiviral chemotherapy (amantadine) is available treatment prophylaxis all There both a great need interest developing chemotherapeutic agent these two viral, pathogens. picornaviridae contains genus Rhinovirus composed over hundred serotypes. Amantadine rimantadine specifically active virus amantadine recipients reported higher incidence side effects largely attributed central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. difference pharmacokinetic phenomenon results plasma concentrations amantadine. Significant progress continues made clinical use development DNA Acyclovir (9-(2-h droxyethoxymethyl)guanine) subject several reviews syrnposium. Considerable evaluating promise acyclovir; however, there remains much learned concerning best this drug practice. strides clinically useful agents, especially herpes family. Most directed viral nucleic acid synthesis require activation by virus-induced thymidine kinase. Researchers begun focus on other strategies produce broader spectrum anti-viral different mechanisms action.