Future directions in the management of cytomegalovirus infections

Article Abstract:

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is found in a large proportion of most populations. It usually causes no major problems, but it can cause severe disease in immunocompromised persons such as those with AIDS. Patients with AIDS often suffer from CMV retinitis, a sight-threatening inflammation of the retina, and CMV colitis, an inflammation of the colon which has been implicated in wasting (emaciation). At present, the only drug approved to treat CMV infection-related diseases in AIDS patients is ganciclovir. This is an antiviral drug that is activated once it enters the virus-infected cell. It inhibits viral DNA polymerase, which is needed for viral replication. Ganciclovir is highly effective, but recently ganciclovir-resistant strains of CMV have been identified. Ganciclovir may cause severe side effects. The most common is neutropenia, or abnormally low levels of the white blood cells known as neutrophils. Treatment must be stopped if the neutrophil count drops below a certain level. Neutropenia is also a side effect of zidovudine (AZT), the only drug approved to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. Consequently, therapy with ganciclovir and AZT must be approached cautiously. Ganciclovir is very effective in treating CMV retinitis in most patients with AIDS. Initially, high doses are administered to stop viral replication quickly, and then a maintenance dose is given to prevent recurrence. Its use in treating other CMV-related diseases has not been studied extensively, but recent research indicates that it may have a wider range of applications. For example, ganciclovir might be used to prevent CMV diseases in other high-risk patients, such as those who have received organ transplants. Oral administration of ganciclovir is now being studied and compared with the currently used intravenous ganciclovir. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Infection, Causes of, Physiological aspects, Retina, Zidovudine, Ganciclovir, editorial, Neutropenia

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Current therapeutic challenges in the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis

Article Abstract:

More research is needed on effective ways to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis. Cytomegalovirus retinitis is an infection of the retina caused by cytomegalovirus. It is common in AIDS patients who are severely immunosuppressed. Ganciclovir, foscarnet and cidofovir are the drugs commonly used to treat the disease, but so far none has been able to prevent the progression of the disease. In addition, they must be administered intravenously and they have side effects. The ideal drug must be an oral preparation, inexpensive and able to suppress viral reproduction.

Retinal diseases

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