Ganciclovir

Definition

Ganciclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. It works by inhibiting viral DNA replication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ganciclovir is commonly used to treat CMV retinitis, a serious eye infection in AIDS patients.
2. It is often administered intravenously, but oral forms are also available for maintenance therapy.
3. The drug can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to neutropenia and thrombocytopenia as side effects.
4. Ganciclovir requires activation by a viral enzyme (UL97 kinase) and subsequently by cellular kinases to exert its antiviral effect.
5. Resistance to ganciclovir can develop through mutations in the CMV UL97 gene or the viral DNA polymerase.

Review Questions

• What type of infections is ganciclovir primarily used to treat?
• What are the major side effects associated with ganciclovir?
• How does ganciclovir become active within infected cells?

Related terms

Cytomegalovirus (CMV):

A common virus that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals.

Retinitis:

An inflammatory condition of the retina that can lead to blindness if untreated.

Neutropenia: A condition characterized by a low count of neutrophils, increasing susceptibility to infections.