MedWorm: Acyclovir

Development and evaluation of a monolithic floating drug delivery system for acyclovir.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:06:02 +0100

Authors: Tavakoli N, Varshosaz J, Dorkoosh F, Motaghi S, Tamaddon L Abstract Acyclovir (ACV), a model drug for this study, is one of the most effective drugs against viruses of the herpes group. Absorption of orally administered ACV is variable and incomplete, with a bioavailability of ca. 15-30%. The drug is absorbed in the duodenum after oral administration and hence, preparation of a floating drug delivery system (FDDS) for ACV may increase oral absorption of the drug. ACV matrix tablets (200 mg) containing an effervescent base (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid) and a binary combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K4M with carbopol or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and/or sodium alginate were prepared by the direct compressi...

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ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir) Capsule ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir) Tablet ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir) Suspension [GlaxoSmithKline LLC]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Feb 1, 2012 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Oxidation of the Antiviral Drug Acyclovir and Its Biodegradation Product Carboxy-acyclovir with Ozone: Kinetics and Identification of Oxidation Products

Environmental Science and Technology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:32:33 +0100

Environmental Science & TechnologyDOI: 10.1021/es203712z (Source: Environmental Science and Technology)

Pancrelipases, Xerese Cream Returned for Routine MonitoringPancrelipases, Xerese Cream Returned for Routine Monitoring

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:50:30 +0100

Three pancrelipase formulations and an acyclovir/hydrocortisone cream have been returned for routine monitoring after US Food and Drug Administration reviews. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Complicated secondary pneumonia after Swine-origin influenza a virus infection in an immunocompetent patient.

Herpes — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:30:02 +0100

We report an immunocompetent patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV) pneumonia secondary to S-OIV infection. A 57-year-old man previously without major medical illness was admitted to our hospital with severe pneumonia accompanied by ARDS due to S-OIV. In his clinical course, anti-influenza treatment was not effective. Sputum culture revealed the presence of MRSA, and HSV was isolated in broncho-alveoler lavage (BAL) fluid. Administration of an antiviral agent (acyclovir), an antibacterial agent (linezolid), and a corticosteroid (methylprednisolone) successfully improved the pneumonia and ARDS. HSV pneumonia can scarcely be seen in healthy people. However recently it has been recognized as a ventilator-associated pneumonia. Although co...

Prodrugs of Acyclovir ‐ A Computational Approach

Chemical Biology and Drug Design — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

DFT calculation results demonstrated that the efficiency of the acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis of Kirby’s acid amides 1‐15 is strongly dependent on the substitution on the C‐C double bond and the nature of the amide N‐alkyl group. Further, the results established that while in the gas phase the hydrolysis rate‐limiting step is the tetrahedral intermediate formation in polar solvents such as water the rate‐limiting step could be either the formation or the collapse of the tetrahedral intermediate depending on the substitution on the C‐C double bond and on the amide nitrogen substituent. Based on a linear correlation between the calculated and experimental effective molarities (EM) the study on the systems reported herein could provide a good basis for designing prodrug systems th...

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Poor neurological sequelae of herpes simplex virus encephalitis in an infant despite adequate antiviral and adjunct corticosteroid therapy

Indian Journal of Dermatology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Ratna B Basak, Varsha Malpani, Khalid Kakish, Susan Vargese, Nageshwar Chauhan, Andreas BoeckIndian Journal of Dermatology 2011 56(6):749-751A 2-month-old infant presented to our emergency department with fever, altered consciousness, and focal seizures of acute onset. He had vesicular skin lesions over the right preauricular region. CT brain showed a large hypodense lesion involving the left temporo-parietal region, left basal ganglia and left thalamus. MRI brain revealed bilateral multifocal corticomedullary lesions suggestive of encephalitis. CSF-PCR was positive for herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I. He was treated with standard dose intravenous acyclovir for 15 days along with a trial of pulse methylprednisolone, but was readmitted within a week with features of an early relapse. The ...

Localized bullous eruptions away from infusion site due to intravenous acyclovir administration in a child

Indian Journal of Pharmacology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Asuman Gurkan, Nilgun Erkek, Saliha SenelIndian Journal of Pharmacology 2012 44(1):126-128Acyclovir is an antiviral agent against herpes virus. Its local adverse effects are common and typically consist of inflammation or phlebitis at the site of intravenous infusion. Here we present a child with bullous eruptions away from infusion site due to acyclovir administration. It is exceptionally rare with only one adult case has been reported to date. (Source: Indian Journal of Pharmacology)

Combination of antiretroviral drugs as microbicides.

Current HIV Research — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Balzarini J, Schols D Abstract Tenofovir, a highly prescribed drug for the treatment of HIV/AIDS infections, has recently also shown its effectiveness as a potential topical microbicide drug in the prevention of HIV transmission. Here, we discuss the combination of tenofovir with variousother antiretrovirals (ARV) highlighting the large class of carbohydrate-binding agents (CBAs) targeting the glycans on the viral envelope gp120 for their anti-HIV activity and their favorable combinatory potential.Thetenofovir/CBA and several other ARV combinations consistently showed synergistic antiviral activities. Also combinations of other classes of ARV such as receptor (i.e. CD4, CXCR4 and CCR5) inhibitors, various monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)directed against the HIV envelope gp120 ...

ACYCLOVIR (Acyclovir Sodium) Injection, Powder, For Solution [APP Pharmaceuticals, LLC]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jan 11, 2012 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Sequential changes in pathophysiology of systemic inflammatory response in a disseminated neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.

Herpes — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Anti-inflammatory intervention may only be effective if it is undertaken during the early phase of disseminated neonatal HSV infections. PMID: 22237001 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Herpes)

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Design of xanthone propionate photolabile protecting group releasing acyclovir for the treatment of ocular herpes simplex virus

RSC - Photochem. Photobiol. Sci. latest articles — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:11:57 +0100

Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2012, Advance ArticleDOI: 10.1039/C2PP05311J, PaperJessie A. Blake, Bettina Bareiss, Liliana Jimenez, May Griffith, J. C. ScaianoThe antiviral drug acyclovir has been attached to a xanthone photocage and releases the drug upon UVA excitation; it is designed for potential treatment of ocular herpes simplex virus infections.To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - Photochem. Photobiol. Sci. latest articles)

Design of xanthone propionate photolabile protecting group releasing acyclovir for the treatment of ocular herpes simplex virus.

Herpes — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Blake JA, Bareiss B, Jimenez L, Griffith M, Scaiano JC Abstract We have attached the antiviral drug acyclovir (ACV) to a xanthone photolabile protecting group (or photocage) through the O6 position of acyclovir, a procedure designed for the treatment of ocular herpes simplex virus infections. Acyclovir is photoreleased from the photocage, under physiological conditions, with a quantum yield (Φ(ACV release)) of 0.1-0.3 and an uncaging cross section (Φ·ε) of 450-1350 M cm(-1). We demonstrate that this photorelease method outcompetes alternative reaction pathways, such as protonation. Furthermore, complete release of the drug is theoretically possible given a sufficient dose of light . Surprisingly the acyclovir photocage, also showed some antiviral activity towards HSV-...

Management of Adult Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis with Oral Acyclovir Following Micro Laryngeal Surgery: A Case Series

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:01:29 +0100

Abstract To demonstrate the role of oral acyclovir in monthly regimes after microdebrider assisted excision in 3 patients with adult recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (ARRP). Three patients with ARRP who presented to a tertiary referral hospital in stridor were initially treated with a tracheostomy in order to secure airway. On further evaluation by videolaryngoscopy extensive bilateral laryngeal papillomatosis was noted with history of similar conditions in the past for which they were repeatedly operated. They were admitted and underwent Microlaryngeal surgery and laryngeal microdebrider assisted surgery under general anesthesia. Post operatively a course of oral acyclovir at 800 mg/5 times/day for 5 days was administered. On repeat assessment with videolary...

Oral acyclovir suppression after neonatal herpes.

Herpes — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bargiela D, Lyall H, Mewasingh L PMID: 22216852 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Herpes)

Oral Acyclovir Suppression after Neonatal Herpes

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:00:15 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 366, Issue 1, Page 90-91, January 2012. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

A Case of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome in Living-Kidney Transplant Recipient

Transplantation Proceedings — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: A 36-year-old woman underwent ABO-incompatible living-donor kidney transplantation. Immunosuppression was achieved by quadruple therapy with tacrolimus, basiliximab, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisone. Desensitization and removal of anti-ABO antibody was achieved by administration of MMF for 4 weeks before transplantation followed by intravenous administration of rituximab, double-filtered plasmapheresis, and plasma exchange. At 1 month after transplantation, she complained of left ear pain without vesicle rash, tinnitus, and vertigo. Physical examination revealed left facial paralysis and nystagmus. T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualized swelling of the left facial nerve. Real-time polymerase chain reaction showed the existen...

Synthesis and antiviral activity of new 3-methyl-1,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole derivatives

Medicinal Chemistry Research — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:50:08 +0100

Abstract A new series of 4-substituted 3-methyl-1,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazoles 4–11 has been synthesized and evaluated for its in vitro antiviral activity and cytotoxicity against herpes simplex virus type-1 grown on Vero African green monkey kidney cells through plaque-reduction assay method using acyclovir as a positive control. The synthesis was achieved through Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction of 3-methyl-1,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (3) with acetophenone derivatives to give various enones 4a–f which are considered an important synthon for the construction of different heterocyclic rings as isoxazoline, pyrazoline, pyrimidine, pyridine, and fused pyridine via several synthetic routes. Biological evaluation of the prepared compounds showed that 3-(4-methylp...

Oral Acyclovir After Neonatal Herpes: Neurodevelopment

AAP Grand Rounds — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: AAP Grand Rounds)

Chronic Acyclovir-Resistant HSV-2 Ulcer in an Immunosuppressed Patient Treated With Topical Cidofovir [Correspondence]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Archives of Dermatology)

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Acyclovir suppressive therapy after treatment of neonatal herpes

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Neonatal infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) presents in various ways with varying outcomes. It may be fairly benign with skin, eye and mouth involvement only, no risk of death, and a very low risk of neurological impairment although there may be skin recurrences. Disseminated disease, however, is associated with a 30% mortality and a 20% risk of neurological sequelae among survivors. Central nervous system (CNS) infection is associated with a 6% mortality but a 70% risk of permanent neurological sequelae. The virus may become latent in sensory ganglia with later reactivation and it has been suggested that there may be subclinical reactivation within the brain. The value of 6 months of suppressive oral therapy with acyclovir, after initial parenteral treatment, has been assessed in t...

Herpes zoster virus: an unusual but potentially treatable cause of sciatica and foot drop.

Orthopedics — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:48:02 +0100

This article describes 2 patients with drop foot secondary to an infection of varicella zoster who were incorrectly referred to an orthopedic clinic from their general practitioners. The first patient was a 74-year-old man who presented with weakness in the right foot and a vesicular rash. The pattern of disease supported the clinical diagnosis of shingles affecting the L5 motor and sensory division. No investigation was required, and the patient was treated with a foot drop splint. The second patient was a 71-year-old man who presented with right leg and foot weakness and a vesicular rash affecting his right buttock and posterior right thigh. Lumbar magnetic resonance excluded a stenotic lesion; electrophysiological studies supported the diagnosis of a lower motor neuron lesion. The patie...

Herpes Simplex Virus Hepatitis in an Immunocompetent Adult: A Fatal Outcome due to Liver Failure

International Journal of Photoenergy — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:53:06 +0100

Conclusions. Herpes simplex virus must be considered in all patients presenting with liver failure of unknown cause. If suspected, prompt treatment with acyclovir should be initiated. (Source: International Journal of Photoenergy)

Evaluation of the antiviral activity of (1'S,2'R)-9-[[1',2'-bis(hydroxymethyl)cycloprop-1'-yl]methyl]guanine (A-5021) against equine herpesvirus type 1 in cell monolayers and equine nasal mucosal explants.

Antiviral Research — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Glorieux S, Vandekerckhove AP, Goris N, Yang XY, Steukers L, Van de Walle GR, Croubels S, Neyts J, Nauwynck HJ Abstract Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV1) is a ubiquitous equine alphaherpesvirus that causes respiratory disease, neurological symptoms and abortions. Current vaccines are not fully protective and effective therapeutics are lacking. A-5021 [(1'S,2'R)-9-[[1',2'-bis(hydroxymethyl)cycloprop-1'-yl]methyl]guanine], previously shown to possess potent anti-herpetic activity against most human herpesviruses, was evaluated for its potential to inhibit EHV1 replication. In equine embryonic lung (EEL) cells, infected with either a non-neurovirulent (97P70) or a neurovirulent (03P37) EHV1 isolate, A-5021 proved to be about 15-fold more potent than acyclovir in inhibiting viral re...

ACYCLOVIR (Acyclovir) Tablet [AvPAK]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Dec 6, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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Efficacy of ASP2151, a helicase-primase inhibitor, against thymidine kinase-deficient herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in vitro and in vivo.

Antiviral Research — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, ASP2151 is a promising novel herpes helicase-primase inhibitor that indicates the feasibility of ASP2151 for clinical application for the treatment of HSV infections, including ACV-resistant/TK-deficient HSV infection. PMID: 22155691 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Antiviral Research)

The role of prophylactic antimicrobials during autologous stem cell transplantation: a single-center experience

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 06:48:59 +0100

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Among 232 ASCT cases performed at the Asan Medical Center, 114 cases underwent treatment with ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, and acyclovir (between January 2001 and August 2005), while 118 cases were performed without antimicrobial prophylaxis (between February 2004 and June 2008). The two-rate χ2 test was applied to accommodate the differences in neutropenia duration. The incidence of febrile episodes was 9.8 cases per 100 person-days in the prophylactic group, while it was 16.2 cases in the no-prophylactic group (p < 0.001). The rate of unexplained fever was 8.0 cases ...

Potent antiviral flavone glycosides from Ficus benjamina leaves.

Fitoterapia — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yarmolinsky L, Huleihel M, Zaccai M, Ben-Shabat S Abstract Crude ethanol extracts from Ficus benjamina leaves strongly inhibit Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1/2) as well as Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) cell infection in vitro. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the crude extract demonstrated that the most efficient inhibition of HSV-1 and HSV-2 was obtained with the flavonoid fraction. The present study was aimed to further isolate, purify and identify substances with potent antiviral activity from the flavonoid fraction of F. benjamina extracts. Flavonoids were collected from the leaf ethanol extracts through repeated purification procedure and HPLC analysis. The antiviral activity of each substance was then evaluated in cell culture. Three known flavone glycosides, (1)...

Delayed Acyclovir Therapy and Death Among Neonates With Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

PEDIATRICS — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter observational study of neonates with HSV infection, delayed initiation of acyclovir therapy was associated with in-hospital death. Our data support the use of empiric acyclovir therapy for neonates undergoing testing for HSV infection. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Delayed Acyclovir and Outcomes of Children Hospitalized With Eczema Herpeticum

PEDIATRICS — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Delay of acyclovir initiation is associated with increased LOS in hospitalized children with eczema herpeticum. Use of topical corticosteroids on admission is not associated with increased LOS. The mortality rate of hospitalized children with eczema herpeticum is low. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

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Delayed Acyclovir Therapy and Death Among Neonates With Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

PEDIATRICS — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, although uncommon, is associated with significant mortality and neurologic morbidity. Acyclovir therapy reduces mortality rates. The association between the timing of acyclovir treatment initiation and mortality is not known. In this multicenter observational study of neonates with HSV infection, delayed initiation of acyclovir therapy was associated with in-hospital death. Our data support the use of empiric acyclovir therapy for neonates undergoing testing for HSV infection. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Delayed Acyclovir and Outcomes of Children Hospitalized With Eczema Herpeticum

PEDIATRICS — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study's findings emphasize the importance of early acyclovir therapy for children with eczema herpeticum. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)

ACYCLOVIR (Acyclovir) Tablet [AvKARE, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Nov 21, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Fulminant gestational hepatitis due to primary herpes simplex type 2 infection: use of serum HSV polymerase chain reaction for noninvasive diagnosis

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We present the first reported case of primary HSV type 2 hepatitis in a pregnant woman who was diagnosed by detection of HSV-2 viremia via real-time polymerase chain reaction. The patient was successfully treated with acyclovir and delivered a healthy infant. (Source: Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease)

Probable acyclovir-induced angioedema in a patient with HIV infection and suspected varicella-zoster virus encephalitis.

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:13:20 +0100

Conclusion A 51-year-old woman with HIV infection developed probable acyclovir-induced angioedema after receiving i.v. acyclovir therapy for suspected viral encephalitis. PMID: 22095814 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP)

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Intensive strategy to prevent CMV disease in seropositive umbilical cord blood transplant recipients

Blood — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Seropositive umbilical cord blood transplant (UCBT) recipients are at increased risk for CMV complications. To reduce CMV complications, we adopted an intensive strategy that consisted of ganciclovir administered before transplantation (5 mg/kg intravenously daily from day –8 to day –2), high-dose acyclovir (2 g, 3 times daily) after transplanta-tion, and biweekly monitoring with a serum CMV PCR for preemptive therapy. Hazard rates and cumulative incidence of CMV complications along with days treated were compared in high-risk CMV-seropositive UCBT recipients who received the intensive strategy and a historical cohort who received a standard strategy. Of 72 seropositive patients, 29 (40%) received standard prophylaxis and 43 (60%) the new intensive approach. The hazard rate (HR...

Virus-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome: Epidemiology, management and outcome.

Presse Medicale — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Luyt CE, Combes A, Trouillet JL, Nieszkowska A, Chastre J Abstract The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be induced by viral diseases, with two virus types being responsible: respiratory viruses that cause community-acquired viral pneumonia and Herpesviridae that cause nosocomial viral pneumonia. Among the respiratory viruses that can affect the lung and cause ARDS, pandemic viruses head the list, with influenza viruses H5N1 and H1N1 2009 being the most recently identified. However, other viruses can cause severe ARDS. Notably, a novel coronavirus was responsible for the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2003. Apart from these pandemic viruses, respiratory viruses are rarely responsible for viral pneumonia and ARDS. Other than antiviral drug (mainl...

Molecular characterization and antiviral activity test of common drugs against echovirus 18 isolated in Korea

Virology Journal — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Genetic diversity and antiviral activity for five common antiviral drugs of echovirus (ECV) 5 isolated in Korea have been described. The present study extended these tests to a Korean ECV 18 isolate. The isolate was completely sequenced and antiviral activity testing for azidothymidine, acyclovir, amantadine, lamivudine, and ribavirin were conducted, as for ECV5. An outbreak of aseptic meningitis caused by the ECV 18 isolate was reported in Korea in 2005, marking the first time this virus had been identified in the country since enterovirus surveillance began in 1993. Using a sample isolated from stool specimen of a 5-year-old male patient with aseptic meningitis, the complete genome sequence was obtained and compared it with the Metcalf prototype strain. Unlike the ECV5 isolate, the 3' no...

Suppressive acyclovir improves herpes simplex virus outcomes

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

According to two trials, suppressive oral acyclovir therapy for 6 months improved neurodevelopment outcomes in infants surviving HSV disease with CNS involvement. (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

ACYCLOVIR (Acyclovir) Tablet [AvKARE, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Oct 26, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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Acute varicella zoster encephalitis without evidence of primary vasculopathy in a case‐series of 20 patients

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Clin Microbiol InfectAbstractVaricella zoster virus (VZV) is a leading cause of acute viral encephalitis but little is known about its clinical, biological and imaging features. Furthermore, the most favourable treatment regimen has not been determined. We studied a prospective cohort of 20 HIV‐negative patients presenting with acute VZV encephalitis caused by primary infection or reactivation. VZV was identified in 16 of 20 cases by PCR detection of the DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid. The four remaining cases occurred during or soon after a VZV rash. The median age of the 17 adults was 76 (19–86) years; the three other patients were children (0.5–5 years). Three patients were immunocompromised. Nine adult patients presented with a rash. Eighteen patients presented with fever and a...

Paraneoplastic Pemphigus and Castleman’s Disease in the Setting of Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Pediatric Dermatology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report this case of paraneoplastic pemphigus secondary to Castleman’s syndrome confounded by herpes simplex virus‐1 positive mucosal erosions. (Source: Pediatric Dermatology)

Acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity: the role of the acyclovir aldehyde metabolite.

Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:05:36 +0100

Authors: Gunness P, Aleksa K, Bend J, Koren G Abstract For decades, acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity was believed to be secondary to crystalluria. Clinical evidence of nephrotoxicity in the absence of crystalluria suggests that acyclovir induces direct insult to renal tubular cells. We postulated that acyclovir is metabolized by the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme to acyclovir aldehyde, which is metabolized by the aldehyde dehydrognase 2 (ALDH2) enzyme to 9-carboxymethoxymethylguanine (CMMG). We hypothesized that acyclovir aldehyde plays a role in acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity. Human renal proximal tubular (HK-2) cells were used as our in vitro model. Western blot and enzymes activities assays were performed to determine whether the HK-2 cells express ADH and ALDH2 isozymes,...

Delayed Acyclovir Means Longer Hospital StayDelayed Acyclovir Means Longer Hospital Stay

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:50:39 +0100

The longer the delay in initiating acyclovir treatment in children hospitalized with eczema herpeticum, the longer they stay in hospital. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir) Capsule ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir) Tablet ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir) Suspension [GlaxoSmithKline LLC]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Oct 14, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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Long-term Comparison of Full-Bed Deep Lamellar Keratoplasty With Penetrating Keratoplasty in Treating Corneal Leucoma Caused by Herpes Simplex Keratitis

American Journal of Ophthalmology — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Advantages of full-bed DLK over PK are no allograft rejection, longer graft survival, earlier drug withdrawal of topical steroid and oral acyclovir, less recurrence of HSK, and fewer follow-up visits. Full-bed DLK is preferable for treating HSK-induced corneal scarring with relatively healthy endothelium and with no history of perforation. (Source: American Journal of Ophthalmology)

Zosteriform B-Cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia infiltration.

Dermatol Online J — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:40:02 +0100

Authors: Antunes J, Pacheco D, Travassos R, Filipe P Abstract Cutaneous infiltration by leukemic cells is uncommon and may be associated with progression of disease. The authors present the case of a 77-year-old female patient, referred to the dermatology clinic for red, erythematous, pruritic papules, which had suddenly appeared on her left hemithorax, along the C6 dermatome, with a 4-week duration. She had already been medicated with Valacyclovir and Acyclovir for 4 weeks, without clinical improvement. She also had a diagnosis of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), type 2 diabetes mellitus, and multinodular goiter. Tzanck smear showed no multinucleated giant cells,and PCR testing for Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) on skin biopsy was negative....

Nonpolymeric nanoassemblies for ocular administration of acyclovir: Pharmacokinetic evaluation in rabbits.

European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Stella B, Arpicco S, Rocco F, Burgalassi S, Nicosia N, Tampucci S, Chetoni P, Cattel L Abstract The aim of this study was to increase bioavailability of the antiviral drug acyclovir (ACV) when administered by the ocular route. For this purpose, a new lipophilic derivative of acyclovir was synthesized, both possessing greater lipophilicity and providing the formation of a homogeneous water dispersion with higher amount of ACV than the aqueous solution of the parent drug. This was done by chemically linking acyclovir to the isoprenoid chain of squalene, obtaining 4'-trisnorsqualenoylacyclovir (SQACV), in which squalene is covalently coupled to the 4'-hydroxy group of acyclovir. This new prodrug was then formulated as nonpolymeric nanoassemblies through nanoprecipitation; the...

RCTs: Oral aciclovir suppression and neurodevelopment after neonatal herpes

NeLM - News — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: N Engl J Med Area: News The outcomes of neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) disease are dependent on the extent of the disease. Approximately 30% of babies with disseminated disease die, but only 20% of survivors have neurological sequelae. In contrast, only 6% of babies with CNS disease die, but approximately 70% have permanent neurological impairment. Antiviral suppressive therapy prevents the recurrence of localised disease in patients with genital or orolabial HSV infection. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Collaborative Antiviral Study Group (CASG) conducted parallel, identical, phase III, placebo-controlled studies of oral acyclovir suppressive therapy after neonatal HSV disease to determine the efficacy and safety of long-term antiviral admi...

Sitavir® (acyclovir LauriadT) filed for approval in EU

NeLM - News — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: BioSpace Area: News BioAlliance Pharma SA has announced submission of its Sitavir® (acyclovir LauriadT) European registration dossier to the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of recurrent orofacial herpes in immunocompetent patients presenting more than 4 episodes a year. Sitavir® is a mucoadhesive buccal tablet delivering very high concentrations of the active ingredient in mucosa and lips. The European registration dossier is based on the results of the a phase III clinical trial conducted in 775 patients, which found that one single application of Sitavir® 50mg reduced the occurrence of vesicular lesions (p=0.043), the duration of the herpes episode (p=0.0038) and the severity of symptoms (p=0.008). Moreover, a 9-month follow-up showed that Sitavir® ha...

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Oral Acyclovir Suppression and Neurodevelopment after Neonatal Herpes

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:00:26 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 365, Issue 14, Page 1284-1292, October 2011. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

HSV Drug Boosts Babies' Mental Progress (CME/CE, with audio)

MedPage Today Infectious Disease — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:00:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Oral acyclovir (Zovirax) given after three weeks of intravenous acyclovir improved neurological outcomes for neonates with herpes simplex virus involving the central nervous system, researchers reported. (Source: MedPage Today Infectious Disease)

Extra acyclovir improves development in neonates with herpes

Modern Medicine — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Newborns infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV) are less likely to have neurodevelopmental problems if their acyclovir treatment lasts six months longer than the standard two or three weeks, doctors report in a two-part study online today in the New England Journal of Medicine. (Source: Modern Medicine)

The Expanding Spectrum of Viral Anterior Uveitis

Ophthalmology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Viral anterior uveitis (AU) is associated most commonly with either herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection, which together account for 5% to 10% of all cases of uveitis seen at tertiary referral centers. A history or signs of herpetic disease, as well as characteristic findings on ocular examination, support the diagnosis and can help differentiate between HSV and VZV as the causative agent. For example, VZV-associated, but not HSV-associated AU, occurs in the setting of herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and is more often associated with profound loss of corneal sensation, or one or more corneal pseudo (as opposed to true) dendrites. Both HSV and VZV-associated AU are typically unilateral and may be associated with acutely elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) or with...

Antiviral Drugs for Viruses Other Than Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Mayo Clinic Proceedings — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This article provides an overview of clinically available antiviral drugs for the primary care physician, with a special focus on pharmacology, clinical uses, and adverse effects. (Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings)

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Rhombencephalitis / Brainstem Encephalitis

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:17:39 +0100

Abstract Rhombencephalitis (RE) is a syndrome of multiple causes and multiple outcomes. Most authors now use the terms “rhombencephalitis” and “brainstem encephalitis” interchangeably even though anatomically they are slightly different. The etiologic categories of RE include infections, autoimmune diseases, and paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS). Listeria is the most common cause of infectious RE. Listeria RE primary occurs in healthy young adults. It usually occurs as a biphasic time course with a flu-like syndrome followed by brainstem dysfunction; 75% of patients have a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis, and almost 100% have an abnormal brain MRI scan. Positive CSF and blood cultures are the most specific for diagnosis. Treatment primarily is with ampicillin. Ent...

What are the Clinical Differences Between Acute Paronychia and Herpetic Whitlow?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:21:53 +0100

Discussion Primary herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection usually shows symptoms 2-20 days after contact. The virus enters the skin or mucous membranes and may then enter the dorsal root gangilons and become latent only to reactivate months to years in the future. Humans are the only known host. Recurrent infections may be caused by various stresses, including mental stress, fever, temperature extremes, sun or ultraviolet light exposure, trauma and immunosupression. HSV-1 usually causes gingivosomatitis and usually enters the trigeminal neuron. HSV-2 usually causes herpes genitalis and enters the sacral nerves. Primary oral HSV-1 usually has fever, with mouth lesions occurring and cervical and submandibular lymphadenopathy In primary oral HSV-1, symptoms may include a prodrome of fever, fol...

Slipping and sliding: Frameshift mutations in herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase and drug-resistance

Drug Resistance Updates — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Highlights: ► Although acyclovir and related compounds are effective herpes simplex virus therapies, drug resistance is an important clinical problem. ► Frameshift mutations in the viral thymidine kinase gene, which encodes the enzyme that activates acyclovir, are frequently observed in drug-resistant viruses. ► The frameshift mutations may be associated with low levels of thymidine kinase expression; too low to activate drug but sufficient to support pathogenesis. ► Mechanisms exploited to compensate for frameshift mutations include ribosomal frameshifting, internal ribosome entry, and induced infidelity of the DNA polymerase.Abstract: Some of the most successful antiviral agents currently available are effective against herpes simplex virus. However, resistance to these drugs is ...

Febrile Ulceronecrotic Mucha‐Habermann Disease in a 34‐Month‐Old Boy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Pediatric Dermatology — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report a case of febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha‐Habermann disease (FUMHD) in a 34‐month‐old boy. Our patient had a history of biopsy‐proven pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) since age 2. At 34 months, his skin lesions rapidly progressed to ulceration and necrosis in the setting of high fever. Skin biopsy revealed an intense lichenoid infiltrate with parakeratosis at the edges of areas of epidermal necrosis consistent with FUMHD, which is the severe variant of PLEVA. Despite initial treatment with prednisolone, his disease progressed to involve more than 50% of his body surface area. In addition to corticosteroids, he was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, dapsone, and acyclovir, without complete resolution of disease. Methotrexate successfully cleared h...

N-Methanocarbathymidine is more effective than acyclovir for treating neonatal herpes simplex virus infection in guinea pigs.

Antiviral Research — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bernstein DI, Bravo FJ, Clark JR, Earwood JD, Rahman A, Glazer R, Cardin RD Abstract The outcome of neonatal herpes simplex (HSV) infection, even after therapy with high dose acyclovir (ACV), is not optimum. We therefore evaluated N-Methanocarbathymidine ((N)-MCT) using the guinea pig model of neonatal herpes. Treatment with ACV (60mg/kg/day) was compared to doses of 1, 5, and 25mg/kg/day of (N)-MCT initiated 1, 2, or 3days postinoculation (dpi). Both ACV and (N)-MCT significantly improved survival, but only (N)-MCT significantly reduced the number of animals with symptoms when begun at 1dpi. When therapy was begun at 2dpi, only (N)-MCT (1, 5, or 25mg/kg/day) significantly increased survival. In fact, (N)-MCT improved survival up to 3dpi, the last time point evaluated. (N)...

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Investigation on Traditional Medicines of Guarany Indio and Studies on Diterpenes from Scoparia dulcis.

Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:36:02 +0100

Authors: Hayashi T Abstract In interviews on the traditional herbal medicines of Tupi-Guarany Indians at the herbal market of Asuncion and questionnaire from their users, it was clarified that various useful medicinal plants are available in Paraguay and most of them are generally used without drying. In the search for bioactive substances from those plants, a β-glucuronidase-inhibitory diterpene called scoparic acid A (SA) was isolated from Scoparia dulcis L. together with scoparic acid B, scoparic acid C, and the aphidicolin-like tetracyclic diterpenes scopadulcic acid A (SDA) and scopadulcic acid B (SDB). HPLC analysis of diterpenes in the individual plants of Paraguayan and Asian S. dulcis revealed the presence of three chemotypes based on major component, i.e., SA type, S...

[Post-exposure varicella prophylaxis].

Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Johansen JS, Westergren T, Lingaas E Abstract Background. Varicella may have a serious and sometimes fatal course, especially in immunocompromised patients. Some patient groups may need prophylaxis after exposure to the varicella-zoster-virus. In this article we review the evidence for usefulness of prophylactic measures after such exposure. Material and methods. The article is based on a non-systematic literature search in Medline, the Cochrane Library, UpToDate and Clinical Evidence. Results. The effect of post-exposure varicella prophylaxis on disease rate and severity of varicella is only weakly documented. There is some evidence that passive immunisation with varicella-zoster immunglobulin (VZIG) reduces the risk of serious disease when it is administered within 72-96...

New green synthesis and formulations of acyclovir prodrugs.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:28:03 +0100

Authors: de Regil-Hernández R, Martínez-Lagos F, Rodríguez-Bayón A, Sinisterra JV Abstract Different green synthesis of alkyl esters of acyclovir (acyclovir prodrugs) is described. Hexanoic, decanoic, dodecanoic and tetradecanoic acyclovir esters were synthesized reacting acyclovir and the respective acid anhydride in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), in solvents from renewable sources and without solvent (T=30°C). Yields in prodrugs after 10 min of reaction were >95% using DMSO as solvent. The purification methodology was very simple, shorter and greener than previously described. The biosolvent, N,N-dimethylamide of decanoic acid, let us to obtain >95% yield at 24 h. This oily biosolvent is not dermotoxic and the reaction crude can directly be used in topic formulations. Synt...

Herpes simplex ulcerative esophagitis in healthy children

The Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report three cases of endoscopically-diagnosed HSVE in apparently immunocompetent children; the presentation was characterized by acute onset of fever, odynophagia, and dysphagia. In two cases, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically by identification of herpes viral inclusions and culture of the virus in the presence of inflammation. The third case was considered to have probable HSVE based on the presence of typical cold sore on his lip, typical endoscopic finding, histopathological evidence of inflammation in esophageal biopsies and positive serologic evidence of acute Herpes simplex virus infection. Two cases received an intravenous course of acyclovir and one had self-limited recovery. All three cases had normal immunological workup and excellent health on long-term follow-up. (...

Hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis accompanied by Epstein-Barr virus

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We read with interest the article “Hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis linked to Epstein-Barr virus in an adult patient” by P. Befort, N. Gaillard, C. Roubille, and A. Le Quellec AL, published in Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery 112 (2010) 829–831. The authors reported a rare case of hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in an adult patient, who was successfully treated with intravenous corticotherapy and acyclovir. We would like to comment on this rare and interesting case. We also previously reported a case of hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis accompanied by EBV in an adult patient . An initial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a focal lesion in the right temporal lobe. Viral encephalitis was suspected. Despite treatment with intravenous acyclovir, M...

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Safety and Tolerability of Combination Acyclovir 5% and Hydrocortisone 1% Cream in Adolescents with Recurrent Herpes Simplex Labialis

Pediatric Dermatology — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: A Phase 3, open‐label, multicenter study was conducted to assess the safety of the combination of 5% acyclovir and 1% hydrocortisone cream (AHC cream) in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis (HSL) in immunocompetent adolescents. Eligible subjects were aged 12 to 17 years and had a history of recurrent labial herpes with two or more episodes during the last 12 months. Subjects initiated treatment at the first signs or symptoms of a herpes recurrence—at the earliest prodromal phase and preferably before the presence of papules or vesicles. Subjects applied the cream topically five times per day for 5 days. Adverse events, categorization of recurrence (ulcerative or nonulcerative), and maximum lesion area (maximum area of an ulcerative lesion) were assesse...

[Invasive mechanical ventilation requiring varicella pneumonia].

Tuberkuloz ve Toraks — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ozbay B, Sertoğullarından B Abstract We aimed to report a case of varicella pneumonia that resulted in respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The patient was a 40-year-old man whose rashes started after his childeren developed varicella and who had a high fever, sputum and sputum with blood, cough, cold and shiver four days before admission. A treatment was commenced by an antiviral acyclovir and ampiric ampicillin-sulbactam therapy. Although a supporting oxygen treatment, the patient whose oxygen saturation did not increase and respiratory rate was high was commenced by an invasive mechanical ventilation because of a respiratory failure. The patient that had a recovery in clinical symptoms after 36 hours was extubated and was discharged from hospital by t...

Acyclovir is a substrate for the human breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2): implications for renal tubular transport and acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity.

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:40:21 +0100

The objective of the study was to determine whether acyclovir is a substrate for human BCRP. Transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells (containing the wild-type ABCG2 gene) were exposed to [8-(14)C]acyclovir (1 µmol/L) in the presence or absence of the BCRP inhibitor fumitremorgin C (FTC). Intracellular acyclovir accumulation was assessed using a liquid scintillation counter. Coexposure to FTC resulted in a significant (5-fold) increase in the intracellular accumulation of acyclovir. The results suggest that acyclovir is a substrate for human BCRP. The study is the first to provide direct evidence for the role of human BCRP in acyclovir transport and its potential significance with respect to renal tubular transport of acyclovir and the direct renal tubular insult induced by the ...

Health Care Seeking Among Men With Genital Ulcer Disease in South Africa: Correlates and Relationship to Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Detection and Shedding.

Herpes — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 14:32:15 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:: Interventions to help shorten the duration between ulcer recognition and health care seeking for men with GUD are needed. PMID: 21844743 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Herpes)

Zovirax 400 & 800mg tablets (aciclovir) - Revised SPC

NeLM - SPC Changes — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: eMC (electronic Medicines Compendium) Area: Other Library Updates > SPC Changes Section 4.3 - Contraindications: further clarifications of contraindications provided Section 4.4 - Special warnings and precautions for use: precautions in immune-compromised patients Section 19 - Date of revision: Updated revision of text (Source: NeLM - SPC Changes)

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Acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity: the role of the acyclovir aldehyde metabolite

Translational Research — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

For decades, acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity was believed to be secondary to crystalluria. Clinical evidence of nephrotoxicity in the absence of crystalluria suggests that acyclovir induces direct insult to renal tubular cells. We postulated that acyclovir is metabolized by the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme to acyclovir aldehyde, which is metabolized by the aldehyde dehydrognase 2 (ALDH2) enzyme to 9-carboxymethoxymethylguanine (CMMG). We hypothesized that acyclovir aldehyde plays a role in acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity. Human renal proximal tubular (HK-2) cells were used as our in vitro model. Western blot and enzymes activities assays were performed to determine whether the HK-2 cells express ADH and ALDH2 isozymes, respectively. Cytotoxicity (measured as a function of cell via...

Med Sci Monit 2011; 17(8):CS99-102 "Bilateral acute retinal necrosis associated with neuroinfection in patient after renal transplantation"

Medical Science Monitor — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Acute retinal necrosis can be the single manifestation of herpes virus reactivation in patients after organ transplantation. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

Hepatic Drug Interaction Between Tacrolimus and Lansoprazole in a Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Receiving Voriconazole and Harboring CYP2C19 and CYP3A5 Heterozygous Mutations.

Clinical Therapeutics — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In a BMT patient with CYP2C19 and CYP3A5 heterozygous mutations, blood TAC concentration decreased after reducing the LAN dose, which appeared to be caused by a reduction in plasma VCZ concentration. PMID: 21802143 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Therapeutics)

Identification and characterization of acyclovir-resistant clinical HSV-1 isolates from children

Journal of Clinical Virology — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study provides preliminary data on the ACV susceptibility status of HSV-1 in children. The prevalence rate of ACV-resistant HSV-1 in children was higher than predicted. Moreover, multiple mechanisms leading to the resistance were identified. These results suggest that new anti-herpetics with different working mechanisms should be valuable. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Acyclovir Slows HIV Progression in HSV/HIV CoinfectionAcyclovir Slows HIV Progression in HSV/HIV Coinfection

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:50:28 +0100

A Ugandan study has found that acyclovir slows HIV progression in people coinfected with herpes simplex virus (HSV) who are not yet eligible for antiretroviral therapy according to local guidelines. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Patterns of herpes simplex virus shedding over 1 month and the impact of acyclovir and HIV in HSV-2-seropositive women in Tanzania

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions HSV shedding was common, varying greatly by individual. Shedding rates were similar to studies in African and non-African settings. Among HIV-negative women, shedding rates were lower in the acyclovir arm; however, acyclovir did not substantially impact on HSV shedding in HIV-positive women. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Recalcitrant herpetic scrotal ulcer as a manifestation of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:19:59 +0100

To the Editor: A 39-year-old HIV-positive man from Africa had a CD4 cell count of 90 cells/mm3 while being treated with stavudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine. He developed several recurrences of a scrotal ulcer that responded rapidly to oral acyclovir. Subsequently, his antiviral regimen was changed to lopinavir, ritonavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine, and his CD4 count improved to 446 cells/mm3. Within months, he developed a scrotal ulcer unresponsive to acyclovir and valacyclovir. During the next 5 months, the ulcer progressed to involve most of the scrotum () Presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (, inset). (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials on the Association of Prophylactic Acyclovir and HIV-1 Viral Load in Individuals Coinfected With Herpes Simplex Virus-2Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials on the Association of Prophylactic Acyclovir and HIV-1 Viral Load in Individuals Coinfected With Herpes Simplex Virus-2

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:04:18 +0100

Will acyclovir improve HIV-1 viral load in individuals coinfected with herpes simplex virus-2? AIDS (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Long-term follow-up of symptomatic patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia treated with the anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab

Blood — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00142181. (Source: Blood)

Screening method for the analysis of antiviral drugs in poultry tissues using zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Herpes — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:45:46 +0100

Authors: Chan D, Tarbin J, Sharman M, Carson M, Smith M, Smith S A screening method for the analysis of seven anti-viral drugs in poultry tissue has been developed. These include anti-influenza drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir and oseltamivir and its carboxylate metabolite), anti-herpes drugs (acyclovir and ganciclovir) and an immunomodulator (imiquimod). Poultry tissue was extracted in acetonitrile:water:acetic acid. After sample purification, using a strong cation exchange column, the eluate was split into two fractions. The first portion was dissolved in methanol:water and the second in acetonitrile:methanol:water. Both fractions were analysed on a zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography column coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The screeni...

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Marine organisms as a therapeutic source against herpes simplex virus infection.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vo TS, Ngo DH, Ta QV, Kim SK Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family that causes general communicable infections in human populations throughout the world, the most common being genital and orolabial disease. The current treatments for HSV infections are nucleoside analogs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. Despite the safety and efficacy, extensive clinical use of these drugs has led to the emergence of resistant viral strains, mainly in immunocompromised patients. To counteract these problems, alternative anti-HSV agents from natural products have been reported. Recently, a great deal of interest has been expressed regarding marine organisms such as algae, sponges, tunicates, echinoderms, mollusks, shrimp, bacteria, and fungus as prom...

Epstein–Barr virus‐related lymphoproliferative disorder, cytomegalovirus reactivation, and varicella zoster virus encephalitis during treatment of medulloblastoma

Journal of Medical Virology — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:46:57 +0100

AbstractThe case of a 14‐year‐old girl who developed Epstein–Barr virus‐related lymphoproliferative disorder, cytomegalovirus reactivation, and Varicella zoster virus encephalitis during treatment for medulloblastoma is described. The patient was diagnosed with a cerebral medulloblastoma and treated with systemic chemotherapy, intrathecal chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Six months later, she developed persistent low‐grade fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Several mucosal or ulcerated lesions of the stomach and colon were found on fiberscopy. The infiltrating cells were positive for CD20 and EBER1, and the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorder was made. CMV antigen was found in the peripheral lymphocytes at that time. At the same time, it was noted that the patient's langua...

PFA Traps the Closed Viral Polymerase [Protein Structure and Folding]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Phosphonoformic acid (PFA, foscarnet) belongs to a class of antiviral drugs that inhibit the human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase (UL54) by mimicking the pyrophosphate leaving group of the nucleotide transfer reaction. Difficulties expressing UL54 have hampered investigation of the precise structural requirements rendering inhibition by this drug. However, a previously engineered chimeric DNA polymerase, constructed by mutating the homologous polymerase from bacteriophage RB69 (gp43) to express several variable elements from UL54, can bypass this obstacle because of its favorable expression and acquired sensitivity to PFA (Tchesnokov, E. P., Obikhod, A., Schinazi, R. F., and Götte, M. (2008) J. Biol. Chem. 283, 34218–34228). Here, we compare two crystal structures that depict the chimer...

Antiherpes activity of glucoevatromonoside, a cardenolide isolated from a Brazilian cultivar of Digitalis lanata.

Antiviral Research — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, an antiherpes screening was performed with 65 cardenolide derivatives obtained from different sources, and one natural cardenolide, glucoevatromonoside, inhibited HSV-1 and HSV-2 replication at very low concentrations. This cardenolide showed viral inhibitory effects if added up to 12h p.i. and these effects appear to take place by the inhibition of viral proteins synthesis (ICP27, U(L)42, gB, gD), the blockage of virus release and the reduction of viral cell-to-cell spread. This compound also showed synergistic antiviral effects with acyclovir and anti-Na(+)K(+)ATPase activity, suggesting that cellular electrochemical gradient alterations might be involved in the mechanism of viral inhibition. These results suggest that cardenolides might be promising for future antiviral d...

Cultured vestibular ganglion neurons demonstrate latent HSV1 reactivation

The Laryngoscope — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:VGNs can be both lytically and latently infected with HSV1. Furthermore, latently infected VGNs can be induced to reactivate using TSA. This demonstrates that reactivation of latent HSV1 infection in the vestibular ganglion can occur in a cell culture model, and suggests that reactivation of HSV1 infection a plausible etiologic mechanism of vestibular neuritis. Laryngoscope, 2011. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

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Characteristics of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in an eastern indian cohort: A case series.

Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: MKC can occur in normal patients with exposure to rain and mud, related to outdoor activity often misdiagnosed as viral ocular infections. Strong clinical suspicion with proper microbiological evaluation helps to diagnose this commonly misdiagnosed condition. PMID: 21934222 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology)

Valeant Pharmaceuticals Announces License Agreement With Meda For North American Rights For Elidel® And Xerese

Pharmaceutical Online News — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 05:30:00 +0100

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. announced recently that its subsidiary, Valeant International (Barbados) SRL (VIB), has signed an agreement to acquire rights to both Elidel (pimecrolimus 1% cream) and Xerese (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream 5%/1%) from Meda, an international specialty pharmaceutical company (listed on Nasdaq Nordic Exchange in Stockholm) for the U.S. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

Efficacy of Continuous, Daily, Oral, Ultra-low-dose 200 mg Acyclovir to Prevent Herpes Zoster Events Among Bortezomib-treated Patients: A Report From Retrospective Study

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Continuous prophylaxis by oral 200 mg/day acyclovir in multiple myeloma patients receiving bortezomib treatment is effective and sufficient in preventing herpes zoster. (Source: Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Zoster myelitis in sickle cell anemia.

Herpes — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:49:27 +0100

Authors: Mousali YM, Sobhi EM, Makkawi SO A 17-year-old female patient, known case of sickle cell anemia was admitted to our hospital with 10 days history of fever, vomiting, and epigastric pain. On examination, her temperature was 38°C. There was a vesicular type of rash below the nipple and over the left chest involving the back. She was diagnosed as herpes zoster and was started on acyclovir with good hydration and analgesia. Three days later, she developed weakness and decreased sensation of the right leg. On the fifth day, examination revealed power of 1/5 on the right leg, and 4/5 on the left leg, there was proximal and distal increased tone and brisk reflexes and up going toe on the right side with sensory level at T4-T6. An MRI of the thoracolumbar spine showed high signal int...

Getting research into policy - Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) treatment and HIV infection: international guidelines formulation and the case of Ghana.

Herpes — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:45:04 +0100

Authors: Burris H, Parkhurst J, Adu-Sarkodie Y, Mayaud P Observational epidemiological and biological data indicate clear synergies between Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and HIV, whereby HSV-2 enhances the potential for HIV acquisition or transmission. In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a call for research into the possibilities of disrupting this cofactor effect through the use of antiherpetic therapy. A WHO Expert Meeting was convened in 2008 to review the research results. The results of the trials were mostly inconclusive or showed no impact. However, the WHO syndromic management treatment guidelines were modified to include acyclovir as first line therapy to treat genital ulcer disease on the basis of the high prevalence of HSV-2 in most settings, impact a...

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Acyclovir-induced acute renal failure in a paediatric oncology patient.

Farmacia Hospitalaria — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Riba Solé M, Farré Riba R, Badell Serra I, Mangues Bafalluy MA PMID: 21715204 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Farmacia Hospitalaria)

Emerging drugs for varicella-zoster virus infections.

Herpes — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Andrei G, Snoeck R Introduction: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the etiological agent of two distinct diseases, varicella (chickenpox) and shingles (herpes zoster). Chickenpox occurs following primary infection, while herpes zoster (usually associated with ageing and immunosuppression) is the consequence of reactivation of the latent virus. Post-herpetic neuralgia is the major complication of shingles. Areas covered: This review will discuss vaccination strategies and the current status of antivirals against VZV. A live attenuated vaccine, Varivax, is available for pediatric varicella while Zostavax was developed to boost VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity in adults older than 60 years and, via this mechanism, to decrease the burden of herpes zoster and pain associated with ...

Meta-analysis of randomized trials on the association of prophylactic acyclovir and HIV-1 viral load in individuals coinfected with herpes simplex virus-2.

Herpes — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ludema C, Cole SR, Poole C, Chu H, Eron JJ : To summarize the randomized evidence regarding the association between acyclovir use and HIV-1 replication as measured by plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load among individuals coinfected with herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2. PMID: 21666542 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Herpes)

Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia: prevention and management.

American Family Physician — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fashner J, Bell AL Herpes zoster (shingles) is diagnosed clinically by recognition of the distinctive, painful vesicular rash appearing in a unilateral, dermatomal distribution. An estimated 1 million cases occur in the United States each year, and increasing age is the primary risk factor. Laboratory testing, including polymerase chain reaction, can confirm atypical cases. Treatment with acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir decreases the duration of the rash. Adjunct medications, including opioid analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, or corticosteroids, may relieve the pain associated with acute herpes zoster. There is conflicting evidence that antiviral therapy during the acute phase prevents postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia in the cutaneous nerve distribut...

Spontaneously Resolving Seronegative Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis.

Herpes — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: SNALE may masquerade as glioma. Pathologic changes in our case of SNALE are distinctive. Spontaneous resolution of a focal SNALE lesion may potentially occur without immune therapy. PMID: 21677575 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Herpes)

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Acyclovir reduces risk of HIV-1 disease progression, if positive for HIV-1 and HSV-2

Clinical Cases and Images — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:38:01 +0100

In this study, the median CD4 cell count at enrollment was 462 cells per μL and median HIV-1 plasma RNA was 4 log10 copies per μL. Aciclovir reduced risk of HIV-1 disease progression by 16%.The role of suppression of herpes simplex virus type 2 in reduction of HIV-1 disease progression before initiation of antiretroviral therapy warrants consideration.References:Daily aciclovir for HIV-1 disease progression in people dually infected with HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus type 2: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, Volume 375, Issue 9717, Pages 824 - 833, 6 March 2010.Image source: Diagram of HIV. Image source: Wikipedia. Posted at Clinical Cases and Images. Stay updated and subscribe, follow us on Twitter and connect on Facebook. (Source: Clinical Cases and Images)

The effects of daily distress and personality on genital HSV shedding and lesions in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of acyclovir in HSV-2 seropositive women.

Herpes — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of acyclovir in 19 women for whom personality was assessed at baseline and daily assessments of genital lesions, stress, anxiety, and depression levels were collected for 22weeks. In addition, daily swabs of the genital mucosa were collected to assess HSV-2 viral reactivation. We found that daily stress predicted genital lesion frequency, and that daily stress, anxiety, and depression predicted genital lesion onset approximately 5days before onset. Anxiety was also associated with genital lesions 3days after onset. Distress and viral reactivation were not associated; and no personality traits were associated with any of the outcomes. These results support the hypothesis that psychological distress is bot...

ACYCLOVIR (Acyclovir) Tablet [Preferred Pharmaceuticals, Inc]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jun 3, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Expression of herpes simplex virus type 1 recombinant thymidine kinase and its application to a rapid antiviral sensitivity assay.

Antiviral Research — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shiota T, Lixin W, Takayama-Ito M, Iizuka I, Ogata M, Tsuji M, Nishimura H, Taniguchi S, Morikawa S, Kurane I, Mizuguchi M, Saijo M Antiviral-resistant herpesvirus infection has become a great concern for immunocompromised patients. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections are treated with viral thymidine kinase (vTK)-associated drugs such as acyclovir (ACV), and most ACV-resistance (ACV(r)) is due to mutations in the vTK. The standard drug sensitivity test is usually carried out by the plaque reduction assay-based method, which requires over 10days. To shorten the time required, a novel system was developed by the concept, in which 293T cells transiently expressing recombinant vTK derived from the test sample by transfection of the cells with an expression vector were i...

Prophylaxis of Cytomegalovirus Disease in Mismatched Patients after Heart Transplantation Using Combined Antiviral and Immunoglobulin Therapy

Transplantation Proceedings — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A longer course of intravenous GCV with multiple doses of CMV-IVIG was a more effective prophylaxis regimen against CMV disease for the high-risk group of seronegative recipients of seropositive donor hearts. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

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Excoecarianin, Isolated from Phyllanthus urinaria Linnea, Inhibits Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection through Inactivation of Viral Particles

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Mon, 30 May 2011 13:59:15 +0100

Phyllanthus urinaria Linnea (Euphorbiaceae) is one of the traditional medicinal plants widely used by oriental people to treat various diseases. We have previously demonstrated that the acetone extract of P. urinaria inhibits herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) but not HSV-1 infection. In a continuing effort to clarify the antiviral mechanisms of P. urinaria, we isolated the pure compound excoecarianin from the whole plant of P. urinaria through acetone extraction, and investigated its anti-HSV-1 and HSV-2 activities. Our results indicated that excoecarianin protected Vero cells from HSV-2 but not HSV-1 infection, and its 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 1.4 ± 0.1 μM. The antiviral effective concentration of excoecarianin did not affect the viability or the mo...

Management and outcome of a varicella exposure in a neonatal intensive care unit: Lessons for the vaccine era

American Journal of Infection Control — Fri, 20 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We describe the management and outcome of a varicella exposure in a neonatal intensive care unit.Methods: We reviewed the history of the index case, determination of the exposed cohort, medical management of exposed neonates, and assignment of health care workers based on exposure and immune status. We present the results of serologic testing of health care workers related to their history of varicella disease.Results: Of 427 health care workers assessed at the time of the exposure, 13.1% were seronegative for varicella. Among 180 employees recorded as having a previous history of varicella, 9 were seronegative. A total of 34 infants received prophylaxis with intravenous immune globulin; acyclovir prophylaxis was added for those born at (Source: American Journal of Infection Control)

Varicella Zoster Vasculopathy

Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) — Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Varicella-zoster virus can cause neurological disease in primary and reactivated latent forms, with a wide spectrum of disorders throughout a person’s lifetime. 35-year-old male with AIDS; histoplasmosis; mild, intermittent asthma; and hypertension presented to hospital with left-sided weakness and slurred speech. Exam showed left hemiparesis with left upper motor neurons facial palsy and dysarthria. Acute right basal ganglia infarct was detected in head CT without contrast. A subsequent MRI showed acute non-hemorrhagic infarct, right basal ganglia; fusiform dilatation, and proximal right middle cerebral artery. A CT angiogram of the bilateral carotid arteries revealed occlusion of the right anterior cerebral artery with conical dilatation at the origin; significant stenosis, and dil...

Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2 Infection by Peptide-Derivatized Dendrimers.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Luganini A, Nicoletto SF, Pizzuto L, Pirri G, Giuliani A, Landolfo S, Gribaudo G In response to the need for new antiviral agents, dendrimer-based molecules have been recognized as having a large number of potential therapeutic applications. They include peptide derivatized-dendrimers: hyperbranched synthetic well-defined molecules which consist of a peptidyl branching core and covalently attached surface functional peptides. However, few studies have addressed their applications as direct-acting antiviral agents. Here, we report on the ability of the peptide dendrimer SB105 and its derivative SB105_A10, to directly inhibit Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) in vitro replication, with favorable selective indexes discerned for both compounds. Analysis of their mod...

Valacyclovir for Herpes simplex encephalitis.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report the penetration of acyclovir into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with HSE, treated with oral pro-drug valacyclovir at 1,000 mg three times daily. The oral therapy achieved adequate acyclovir concentrations in the CSF and may be an acceptable early treatment for suspected HSE in resource limited settings. PMID: 21576427 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy)

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Corrigendum to “Acanthamoeba keratitis due to genotype T11 in a rigid gas permeable contact lens wearer in Spain” [Contact Lens Ant. Eye 34 (2) (2011) 83–86]

Contact Lens and Anterior Eye — Fri, 13 May 2011 14:03:15 +0100

The authors regret that in their recent publication, an error in the abstract was published in lines 2 and 3. The correct abstract is printed below. A case of a 59-year-old Spanish patient who presented with severe ocular pain, blurred vision, eyelid swelling and foreign body sensation in the right eye is reported. She was a regular gas permeable contact lens wearer who initially claimed to maintain standard lens care. After exploration, conjunctival injection, dendritiform corneal ulcers and stromal edema were observed. She was initially treated for a possible viral keratitis due to herpes simplex virus using 3% topical acyclovir and 0.1% dexamethasone eye drops 5 times a day. The patient did not respond to this treatment and six weeks later, corneal scrapings were positive for Acanthamo...

Varicella-zoster virus infections in immunocompromised patients - a single centre 6-year analysis

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our data show that patients with malignant diseases or immunosuppressive therapy should be hospitalized and treated immediately with antiviral agents. Despite these measures the course of VZV-infections can be highly variable in these patients. We discuss aids to individual decision-making for these difficult situations. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Relapsing herpes simplex encephalitis resulting in kluver-bucy syndrome.

Herpes — Mon, 02 May 2011 08:30:03 +0100

Authors: D Ku B, Sang Yoon S Relapsing herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) rarely occurs after acyclovir treatment. We treated a patient with relapsing HSE of the contralateral temporal lobe, resulting in Klüver-Bucy syndrome, after a full-dose acyclovir treatment. This case suggests that physicians should consider sudden behavioral and emotional changes after HSE treatment as a possible indication of relapsing HSE, as well as possible temporal lobe epilepsy, and the need to administer longer acyclovir treatment for selectpatients. PMID: 21467713 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Herpes)

Metal ion binding patterns of acyclovir: Molecular recognition between this antiviral agent and copper(II) chelates with iminodiacetate or glycylglycinate.

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Brandi-Blanco Mdel P, Choquesillo-Lazarte D, Domínguez-Martín A, González-Pérez JM, Castiñeiras A, Niclós-Gutiérrez J In order to deepen on metal-binding patterns of acyclovir (acv), {[Cu(IDA)(acv)]·2MeOH}(n) (1) and [Cu(glygly)(acv)]·H(2)O (2) compounds have been synthesized and investigated by X-ray crystallography as well as spectral and thermal methods. These compounds have been chosen upon the assumption that iminodiacetate (IDA) and glycylglycinate (glygly) chelating ligands would bind copper(II) with mer-tridentate conformation, supplying two terminal H-acceptor carboxylate groups (IDA) or one H-acceptor carboxylate and one H-donor primary amino group (glygly). The main aim of this work was to clarify if the amino group of glygly can build an intra-molecular in...

Fulminant Multiorgan Failure Due to Varicella Zoster Virus and HHV6 in an Immunocompetent Adult Patient, and Anhepatia

Transplantation Proceedings — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Varicella is a well-known contagious disease of childhood that can also affect both immunodepressed and immunocompetent adults. The present observations concern a previously healthy adult patient who presented with a fulminant hepatitis evolving in multiorgan failure (MOF), associated with an atypical papulo-ethemateous cutaneous rash without fever. An hepatic biopsy showed massive necrosis. Because of the persistent MOF and severe hemodynamic instability, total hepatectomy was performed as a bridge to urgent liver transplantation (OLT). Despite temporary improvement, the patients condition progressively deteriorated and he died 11 hours after the hepatectomy, i.e. 7 days after admission to the intensive care unit. High viral loads of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and human herpes...

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Resistance testing of clinical varicella-zoster virus strains.

Antiviral Research — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the characterization of resistance using genetic analysis of the TK and DNA pol genes has to be considered the method of choice for the determination of VZV resistance to antiviral drugs. In a considerable number of patients with clinical ACV-resistant VZV infections, resistance cannot be verified by virological methods. PMID: 21539861 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Antiviral Research)

A dual reporter cell assay for identifying serotype and drug susceptibility of herpes simplex virus.

Analytical Biochemistry — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lu WW, Sun JR, Wu SS, Lin WH, Kung SH A dual reporter cell assay (DRCA) that allows real-time detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection was developed. This was achieved by stable transfection of cells with an expression cassette that contains the dual reporter genes, secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), under the control of an HSV early gene promoter. Baby hamster kidney (BHK) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines were used as parental cell lines because the former is permissive for both HSV serotypes, HSV-1 and HSV-2, whereas the latter is susceptible to infection only by HSV-2. The DRCA permitted differential detection of HSV-1 and HSV-2 by observation of EGFP-positive cells, as substantiated by screening a total of...

Ocular Sustained Release Nanoparticles Containing Stereoisomeric Dipeptide Prodrugs of Acyclovir

Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:31:20 +0100

Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Apr 2011, Vol. 27, No. 2: 163-172. (Source: Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Herpes Simplex Encephalitis : From Virus to Therapy.

Infectious Disorders Drug Targets — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rozenberg F, Deback C, Agut H Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the cause of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), a devastating human disease which occurs in 2-4 cases per million/year. HSE results either from a primary infection or virus reactivation, in accordance with the common pattern of HSV infection which is a chronic lifelong process. However its pathophysiology remains largely unknown and its poor prognosis is in contrast with the usually good tolerance of most clinical herpetic manifestations. HSE is due to HSV type 1 (HSV-1) in most cases but HSV type 2 (HSV-2) may be also implicated, especially in infants in the context of neonatal herpes. Polymerase chain reaction detection of HSV DNA in cerebrospinal fluid is the diagnosis of choice for HSE. Acyclovir, a nucleoside ana...

Varicella Zoster Virus Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and Subclinical Temporal Artery Involvement [Observation]

Archives of Neurology — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Although in previously studied patients who died of chronic VZV vasculopathy after 10 to 12 months, VZV antigen was present exclusively in the intima, collective analyses of chronic cases and the asymptomatic VZV-infected temporal artery suggest that virus enters arteries through the adventitia and spreads transmurally to the intima. (Source: Archives of Neurology)

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Evidence-based treatment of herpes simplex virus keratitis: a systematic review

NeLM - Disease Focused Reviews — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: DARE Area: Evidence > Disease Focused Reviews CRD Summary: This review concluded that trifluridine, acyclovir and possibly interferon were effective for herpes simplex virus epithelial keratitis. Corticosteroids with an antiviral were effective for Herpes simplex virus stromal keratitis and long-term acyclovir reduced recurrence. The validity of these conclusions may be limited by the small size of studies, restriction to articles published in English and the method of data extraction. CRD Commentary: The inclusion criteria appeared adequate. However, the search of only one database may have missed relevant studies and the restriction to studies published in English could have introduced language bias. Appropriate methods were used to minimise errors and bias in study selection,...

Safety of antiviral medication for the treatment of herpes during pregnancy.

Canadian Family Physician Medecin de Famille Canadien — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kang SH, Chua-Gocheco A, Bozzo P, Einarson A Question One of my patients is a pregnant woman in her first trimester with a history of recurrent genital herpes. She is concerned about whether use of her antiviral medication will adversely affect her baby. What should I tell her? Answer Studies have shown that the use of acyclovir or valacyclovir is not associated with an increase in birth defects. Limited data exist for famciclovir and therefore it would not be considered a first-line choice for treatment of herpes during pregnancy. PMID: 21490353 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Family Physician Medecin de Famille Canadien)

Rheological and mucoadhesive characterization of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) hydrogels designed for nasal mucosal drug delivery.

Archives of Pharmacal Research — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alsarra IA, Hamed AY, Alanazi FK, Neau SH Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) hydrogels were crosslinked by gamma irradiation to add structure and rigidity, and then rheological and mucoadhesive properties were evaluated. The effects of PVP concentration, radiation dose, and additives, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and glycerol, on rheological properties were investigated. In an oscillatory analysis, an increase in polymer concentrations increased the storage modulus (G') and the loss modulus (G″) but decreased the loss tangent (tan δ < 1). The relationships between G'or G″ and the frequency levelled off at higher frequencies, which is indicative of polymer chain entanglement and network formation. Each of the 6% PVP hydrogels exhibited plastic flow with rheopectic beha...

Onset and complications of varicella zoster reactivation in the autologous hematopoietic cell transplant population

Transplant Infectious Disease — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Our study revealed a 16% incidence of VZV reactivation in our autologous HCT population. The onset of these occurrences ranged from 2 to 10 months post transplant, with significant VZV‐associated complications. We consider VZV reactivation a serious concern in the autologous transplant setting, requiring extended prophylaxis. (Source: Transplant Infectious Disease)

ACYCLOVIR (Acyclovir) Tablet [AvKARE, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 31, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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Design and optimization of floating drug delivery system of acyclovir

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AA Kharia, SN Hiremath, AK Singhai, LK Omray, SK JainIndian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2010 72(5):599-606The purpose of the present work was to design and optimize floating drug delivery systems of acyclovir using psyllium husk and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M as the polymers and sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation method. A 32 full factorial design was used for optimization of drug release profile. The amount of psyllium husk (X1) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M (X2) were selected as independent variables. The times required for 50% (t 50% ) and 70% (t 70% ) drug dissolution were selected as dependent variables. All the designed nine batches of formulations were evaluated for hardness, fria...

["Herpetic keratitis" : Various expressions require different therapeutic approaches.]

Der Ophthalmologe — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

["Herpetic keratitis" : Various expressions require different therapeutic approaches.] Ophthalmologe. 2011 Mar 31; Authors: Seitz B, Heiligenhaus A Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of keratitis. "Herpetic keratitis" is a chameleon, which is well treatable today if the various types of clinical expression of this disease are known to the ophthalmologist and treatment is adjusted accordingly. Types of expression include 1. epithelial keratitis (dendritica/geographica), 2. stromal keratitis (necrotizing vs. non-necrotizing = "interstitial keratitis"), 3. endotheliitis (=disciform keratitis), 4. neurotrophic keratopathy (=so-called metaherpetic keratitis) and 5. (vascularized) corneal scars. A concomitant ocular hypertension should be treated predominantly non-surgicall...

Unusual MRI findings in an immunocompetent patient with EBV encephalitis: a case report

BioMed Central — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This report demonstrates that EBV in an immunocompetent adult can present with diffuse, reversible brain white matter involvement in the acute phase of mononucleosis. Moreover, our case suggests that a negative DWI sequence is associated with a favorable improvement in severe EBV CNS infection. More extensive studies are needed to assess what other instrumental data can help to distinguish viral lesions from other causes in the acute phase of disease. (Source: BioMed Central)

ACYCLOVIR (Acyclovir) Tablet [AvPAK]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 16, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Geldanamycin is effective in the treatment of herpes simplex virus epithelial keratitis in a rabbit model

Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: GDM is a promising treatment option against HSV‐1 epithelial keratitis. 10ug/ml GDM is better than ACV and 5ug/ml GDM in the rabbit model. The optimal concentration of this drug in human is still to be determined. (Source: Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology)

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Determination of penciclovir in human plasma by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry: application to a clinical pharmacokinetic study.

Biomedical Chromatography : BMC — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:46:12 +0100

Authors: Kanneti R, Bhavesh D, Paramar D, Shivaprakash R, Bhatt PA A rapid, specific and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of penciclovir in human plasma. The method involved simple, one-step SPE procedure coupled with a C(18) , 75 × 4.mm, 3µm column with a flow-rate of 0.5 mL/min, and acyclovir was used as the internal standard. The Quattro Micro mass spectrometry was operated under the multiple reaction-monitoring mode using the electrospray ionization technique. Using 250 µL plasma, the methods were validated over the concentration range 52.555-6626.181 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantification of 52.55 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy values were found to be within the as...

A case series of Kaposi's varicelliform eruption in dermatology in-patients in a tertiary care centre

Indian Journal of Dermatology — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: KVE may complicate any dermatosis where the integrity of the skin is compromised. Diagnosis and early treatment are important and possible in most cases if suspected. (Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology)

Biotransformation of the Antiviral Drugs Acyclovir and Penciclovir in Activated Sludge Treatment

Environmental Science and Technology — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:37:51 +0100

Environmental Science & TechnologyDOI: 10.1021/es103732y (Source: Environmental Science and Technology)

Diagnostic and therapeutic management for suspected neonatal herpes simplex virus infection

Journal of Clinical Virology — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: None of the neonates with suspected HSV tested positive. Diagnostic management in neonates with suspected HSV infection was often improper and incomplete. Consensus guidelines to identify low-risk infants in whom HSV testing and acyclovir treatment is not warranted, are urgently needed. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Diagnostic and therapeutic management for suspected neonatal herpes simplex virus infection.

Herpes — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: None of the neonates with suspected HSV tested positive. Diagnostic management in neonates with suspected HSV infection was often improper and incomplete. Consensus guidelines to identify low-risk infants in whom HSV testing and acyclovir treatment is not warranted, are urgently needed. PMID: 21388869 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Herpes)

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Facing medical care problems of victims of sexual violence in Goma/Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Conflict and Health — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study provides data that only few hospitals in Goma care for victims of sexual violence. In addition, these hospitals suffer from a relevant shortage of human and material resources to provide adequate care for sexually abused females. Aside from establishment of adequate protection strategies, steps must be taken to increase the availability of trained health care professionals and resources to provide adequate care for victims of sexual violence in Goma and the North Kivu province. (Source: Conflict and Health)

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of varicella-zoster virus mutants resistant to acyclovir, brivudine and/or foscarnet

Medical Microbiology and Immunology — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:51:03 +0100

Abstract The treatment of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation is based on nucleoside analogues acyclovir (ACV) and bromevinyldeoxyuridine (BVdU) and a phosphonic acid derivative (PFA). Drug-resistant mutants of 3 wild-type (WT) VZV strains were obtained by exposure of human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells inoculated with cell-free WT virus at increasing concentrations of ACV, BVdU, and PFA. In addition to single-drug resistance, a cross-resistance of isolates vs. ACV was observed for PFA-resistant strains. Single-nucleotide (nt) exchanges resulting in amino acid (aa) substitutions were observed within the DNA polymerase (ORF 28) and/or thymidine kinase (ORF 36) of 3 of 3 ACV-, 2 of 3 BVdU-, and 3 of 3 PFA-resistant strains. Interestingly, aa substitutions wer...

Synthesis and anti-HSV-1 activity of new 1,2,3-triazole derivatives.

Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jordão AK, Ferreira VF, Souza TM, de Souza Faria GG, Machado V, Abrantes JL, de Souza MC, Cunha AC In this work, a new series of arysulfonylhydrazine-1H-1,2,3-triazole derivatives were synthesized, and their ability to inhibit the in vitro replication of HSV-1 was evaluated. Among the 1,2,3-triazole derivatives, 1-[(5″-methyl-1″-(4‴-fluorophenylamino)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4″-yl)carbonyl]-2-(4'-methylphenylsulfonyl)hydrazine and 1-[(5'-methyl-1'-(2″,5″-dichlorophenylamino)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4'-yl)carbonyl]-2-(phenylsulfonyl)hydrazine, with IC(50) values of 1.30 and 1.26μM, respectively, displayed potent activity against HSV-1. Because these compounds have low cytotoxicity, their selectivity indices are high. Under the assay conditions, they have better performance than...

Low-dose Acyclovir is Effective for Prevention of Herpes Zoster in Myeloma Patients Treated with Bortezomib: A Report from the Korean Multiple Myeloma Working Party (KMMWP) Retrospective Study

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The administration of acyclovir 400 mg once daily during the bortezomib treatment is an effective prophylaxis for herpes zoster in patients receiving bortezomib irrespective of disease state and the type of chemotherapy regimen. (Source: Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Ulcerating Molluscum Contagiosum in a Boy With Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Herpes — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, molluscum contagiosum may present as an ulcerating lesion during childhood leukemia treatment. A skin biopsy should be performed for the accurate diagnosis of atypical cutaneous lesions in immunocompromised patients. PMID: 21368674 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Herpes)

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Long-Term Observation of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Infection in a Child with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome and a Possible Reactivation Mechanism for Thymidine Kinase-Negative HSV-1 in Humans.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shiota T, Kurane I, Morikawa S, Saijo M Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections in a child with congenital immunodeficiency syndrome were observed over a 10-year period. The child suffered from recurrent and severe HSV-1 mucocutaneous infections. He frequently suffered from acyclovir (ACV)-resistant (ACV(r)) HSV-1 infection in the later phase of his life, especially after the episode of ACV(r) HSV-1 infection. Virological analyses on the HSV-1 isolates recovered from this patient revealed that all the ACV(r) HSV-1 isolates were thymidine kinase (TK)-negative (TK(-)) due to a single cytosine (C) deletion within the 4-C residues (positions 1061 to 1064) in the TK gene, indicating that the recurrent TK(-)/ACV(r) HSV-1 infections throughout the patient's life were due to th...

Genetic diversity of a Korean echovirus 5 isolate and response of the strain to five antiviral drugs

Virology Journal — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

An outbreak of echovirus 5 (ECV 5) occurred in Korea in 2006, marking the first time this virus had been identified in the country since enterovirus surveillance began in 1993. Using a sample isolated from a young male patient with sepsis-like symptoms, we performed sequencing of the Korean ECV 5 strain and compared it with a prototype strain (Noyce). At the nucleotide level, the P1 region (85.3%) had the highest identity value; at the amino acid level, the P3 region (98.0%) had the highest identity value. The two strains shared all cleavage sites, with the exception of the VP1/2A site, which was TY/GA in the Noyce strain but TR/GA in the Korean ECV 5 isolate. In Vero cells infected with the Korean ECV 5 isolate, no cytotoxicity was observed in the presence of azidothymidine, acyclovir, am...

The benefits of steroids versus steroids plus antivirals for treatment of Bell's palsy: a meta-analysis

NeLM - Disease Focused Reviews — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Source: DARE Area: Evidence > Disease Focused Reviews CRD Summary: This review evaluated whether steroid treatment plus antivirals provided a greater degree of facial muscle recovery than steroids alone in patients with Bell's palsy. The authors concluded that combined treatment provided no additional benefit in achieving at least partial facial muscle recovery. This was a generally well-conducted review, and the authors' conclusion is likely to be reliable. [The included steroid was oral prednisone or prednisolone; the included antivirals were acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famcyclovir.] CRD Commentary: This review addressed a clear question, and this was supported by potentially reproducible inclusion criteria. The search strategy included various relevant sources, and attempts were m...

Consistent Inhibition of HIV-1 Replication by Acyclovir in CD4+ T Cells Without Detection of Human Herpes Viruses.

Herpes — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: McMahon MA, Parsons TL, Shen L, Siliciano JD, Siliciano RF Acyclovir, a nucleoside analog, is thought to be specific for the human herpes viruses because it requires a virally encoded enzyme to phosphorylate it to acyclovir monophosphate. Recently, acyclovir triphosphate was shown to be a direct inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Here, we show acyclovir is an inhibitor of HIV-1 replication in CD4(+) T cell from cord blood that have undetectable levels of the eight human herpes viruses. Additionally, acyclovir phosphates can be detected by RP-HPLC and quantified in a primer extension assay from cord blood. The data support acyclovir as an inhibitor of HIV-1 replication in herpes negative cells. PMID: 21325417 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Herpes)

Herpesviridae Viral Infections After Chemotherapy Without Antiviral Prophylaxis in Patients With Malignant Lymphoma: Incidence and Risk Factors.

Herpes — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Female sex, high dose of steroids per body surface area, and neutropenic fever were risk factors for HVI in patients with lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy without acyclovir prophylaxis. PMID: 21325936 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Herpes)

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In Vitro Synergism of Trifluorothymidine and Ganciclovir against HSV-1 [Physiology and Pharmacology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. TFT and GCV are synergistic against acyclovir-susceptible HSV-1 at concentrations significantly less toxic than if each antiviral were used as a sole agent. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

BioAlliance Pharma Presents The Results Of An International Survey Performed With Nielsen In Patients Suffering From Herpes Labialis

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:00:00 +0100

BioAlliance Pharma SA (Paris:BIO) (Euronext Paris-BIO), a company dedicated to the supportive care and treatment of cancer patients, has presented the preliminary results of a study in patients suffering from herpes labialis in the United States and Europe. Given that treatment with Sitavir® (acyclovir Lauriad™) has proven efficacy in recurrent herpes labialis, the company considered it was important to better understand the characteristics of these patients affected by this recurrent disease. Herpes labialis affects 50 million people in the US and 45 million in Europe each year... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Hydrolyzable Tannins (Chebulagic Acid and Punicalagin) Target Viral Glycoprotein-Glycosaminoglycan Interactions to Inhibit Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Entry and Cell-to-Cell Spread.

Herpes — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

We report that chebulagic acid (CHLA) and punicalagin (PUG), two hydrolyzable tannins isolated from the dried fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. (Combretaceae), inhibit HSV-1 entry at non-cytotoxic doses in A549 human lung cells. Experiments revealed that both tannins targeted and inactivated HSV-1 viral particles, and could prevent binding, penetration, cell-to-cell spread, as well as secondary infection. The antiviral effect from either of the tannins was not associated with induction of type I interferon-mediated responses, nor was pre-treatment of the host cell protective against HSV-1. Their inhibitory activities targeted HSV-1 glycoproteins since both natural compounds were able to block polykaryocyte formation mediated by expression of recombinant viral glycoproteins involved in att...

Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in Young Infants During 2 Decades of Empiric Acyclovir Therapy.

Herpes — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:: Early manifestations of perinatally acquired HSV are frequently nonspecific, yet CNS infection is common. Empiric acyclovir strategy narrowly restricted to infants with onset of illness at ≤21 days of age, who would receive antibiotics empirically, captured 90% of HSV cases and anticipated a rate of HSV CNS infection similar to that of bacterial meningitis. PMID: 21304419 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Herpes)

Synthesis and antiviral activity of benzimidazolyl- and triazolyl-1,3,5-triazines

Medicinal Chemistry Research — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 03:36:10 +0100

Abstract A novel series of 1,3,5-triazine analogs was successfully synthesized through conjugation with benzimidazole or 1,2,4-triazole derivatives via a methylenethio linker. The new analogs were in vitro evaluated against HSV-1 in Vero cells; among these analogs, two compounds exhibited good effect in inhibiting HSV-1 replication (for compound 5p: EC50 = 3.5 μg/ml, SI = 358; for compound 5r: EC50 = 5.0 μg/ml, SI = 300) in comparison to acyclovir. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00044-011-9574-8Authors Azza R. Maarouf, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516 EgyptAbdelbasset A. Farahat, Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pha...

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Valeant Pharmaceuticals to Acquire U.S. and Canadian Rights to Zovirax

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:07:48 +0100

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE: VRX) (TSX: VRX) today announced that its subsidiary, Biovail Laboratories International SRL ("BLS"), has signed agreements to acquire all U.S. and... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

Valeant Pharmaceuticals to Acquire U.S. and Canadian Rights to Zovirax(R)

HSMN NewsFeed — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:06:31 +0100

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Feb. 3, 2011 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE:VRX ) (TSX:VRX.to ) today announced that its subsidiary, Biovail Laboratories International SRL ("BLS"), has signed agreements to acquire al... Biopharmaceuticals, AcquisitionsValeant Pharmaceuticals, Biovail Laboratories, Zovirax, GlaxoSmithKline (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir) Cream [BTA PHARMACEUTICALS INC]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Feb 2, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir) Ointment [BTA PHARMACEUTICALS INC]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Feb 2, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))