++
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites. That is, unlike
bacteria, viruses depend on living host cells to replicate and function.
Since viruses rely on the synthetic machinery of host cells, viruses can
be extremely small. In many cases, the entire viral particle, or
virion, consists only of nucleic acids (deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] or
ribonucleic acid [RNA]) surrounded by a protein
shell, or capsid. Some viruses have an additional glycoprotein
coat called an envelope.
++
Viral infections range from common minor illnesses, such as the
common cold and cold sores, to life-threatening diseases, such as
AIDS, Ebola, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In addition,
some viruses can cause certain types of cancer. For example, human
papillomavirus is the primary causative agent of cervical cancer.
++
Viral transmission can occur in many ways. The most common ways
that virions enter the body are via inhaled droplets (e.g., rhinovirus,
the causative agent of the common cold), contaminated food or water
(e.g., hepatitis A), direct contact from infected hosts (e.g., HIV),
or direct inoculation by bites of infected vectors (e.g.,
dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes).
++
Viruses are complicated chemotherapy targets for several reasons.
Since viruses rely on host cells’ machinery to function,
the selective pharmacologic destruction of a virus without destroying
human cells is difficult. Early treatment is critical, but frequently
not possible because viral replication often peaks before clinical
symptoms develop. Many antiviral agents also rely on a normal immune
system to destroy the virus. Thus, immune suppression often lengthens
viral illnesses. Finally, mutations that cause changes in viral
structure and enzymes often lead to the emergence of drug-resistant
viral strains. Some viruses (influenza A and B, hepatitis B virus [HBV])
can be effectively controlled by vaccines (see
section Vaccines and Immune Globulins: Active and Passive Immunizations
below).
++
Antiviral drugs can potentially exert their actions at several
stages of viral replication, including (1) viral attachment and
entry into the host cell; (2) uncoating of viral nucleic acid; (3)
synthesis of early viral regulatory proteins; (4) synthesis of RNA
or DNA nucleic acids; (5) late protein synthesis and processing;
(6) viral packaging and assembly, and (7) virion release (Figure
28–1).
++
++
One of the most important trends in viral chemotherapy, especially
in the management of HIV infection, has been the introduction of
combination drug therapy, in which more than one stage of viral
replication is inhibited. The benefits of combination antiviral
therapy include greater clinical effectiveness and the prevention
or delay of drug resistance.
++
The antiviral agents covered in this chapter include drugs against
herpes, HIV, influenza, HBV, and hepatitis C (HCV) (Figure 28–2).
++