Cidofovir

Definition

Cidofovir is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat infections caused by certain DNA viruses, especially cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients with compromised immune systems. It works by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, making it effective against a variety of clinically significant DNA viruses, including those that can cause serious diseases in immunocompromised individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cidofovir is administered intravenously and has a long half-life, allowing for less frequent dosing compared to some other antiviral medications.
2. It is particularly important in the management of CMV retinitis in AIDS patients, where it helps prevent vision loss.
3. Cidofovir can have nephrotoxic effects, making renal function monitoring crucial during treatment.
4. The drug is effective against a range of DNA viruses, including adenoviruses and papillomaviruses, expanding its therapeutic applications beyond CMV.
5. Unlike some other antiviral agents, cidofovir does not require phosphorylation by viral enzymes to become active, which allows it to work against resistant strains of viruses.

Review Questions

• How does cidofovir function as an antiviral agent, and what makes it effective against certain DNA viruses?
  • Cidofovir functions by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, specifically targeting the viral DNA polymerase enzyme. This mechanism of action disrupts the replication process of the virus, making it effective against various DNA viruses, including cytomegalovirus. Its ability to remain active against resistant strains due to its independence from viral phosphorylation adds to its effectiveness in treating infections in immunocompromised patients.
• Discuss the significance of cidofovir in treating cytomegalovirus infections in immunocompromised patients and the potential risks associated with its use.
  • Cidofovir plays a crucial role in managing cytomegalovirus infections, particularly in patients with AIDS who are at high risk for CMV retinitis. The drug helps prevent severe complications like vision loss, thereby improving quality of life. However, its use comes with risks such as nephrotoxicity, necessitating careful monitoring of kidney function during treatment to mitigate potential adverse effects.
• Evaluate the broader implications of cidofovir's antiviral activity on public health concerning resistant strains of DNA viruses.
  • The ability of cidofovir to remain effective against resistant strains of DNA viruses highlights its importance in public health strategies aimed at controlling viral outbreaks. As resistance to conventional antiviral therapies becomes more prevalent, cidofovir offers an alternative for managing infections that may no longer respond to standard treatments. This positions cidofovir as a valuable tool in combating emerging viral threats and reinforces the need for ongoing research into antiviral drug development.

Related terms

Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A common virus that can cause severe complications in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients and people with HIV/AIDS.

Acyclovir: An antiviral drug used primarily for the treatment of infections caused by certain viruses, particularly herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus.

Viral DNA Polymerase Inhibitors: A class of antiviral drugs that specifically target the viral DNA polymerase enzyme, which is crucial for viral replication.