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Review
. 2003 Jan;16(1):114-28.
doi: 10.1128/CMR.16.1.114-128.2003.

Herpes simplex virus resistance to acyclovir and penciclovir after two decades of antiviral therapy

Teresa H Bacon  1 , Myron J Levin, Jeffry J Leary, Robert T Sarisky, David Sutton
Affiliations
Review

Herpes simplex virus resistance to acyclovir and penciclovir after two decades of antiviral therapy

Teresa H Bacon et al. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003 Jan.

Abstract

Acyclovir, penciclovir, and their prodrugs have been widely used during the past two decades for the treatment of herpesvirus infections. In spite of the distribution of over 2.3 x 10(6) kg of these nucleoside analogues, the prevalence of acyclovir resistance in herpes simplex virus isolates from immunocompetent hosts has remained stable at approximately 0.3%. In immuncompromised patients, in whom the risk for developing resistance is much greater, the prevalence of resistant virus has also remained stable but at a higher level, typically 4 to 7%. These observations are examined in the light of characteristics of the virus, the drugs, and host factors.

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Figures

FIG. 1.
FIG. 1.
Structures of antivirals. (a) Acyclovir. (b) Penciclovir. (c) Deoxyguanosine.
FIG. 2.
FIG. 2.
Mode of action of acyclovir and penciclovir.
FIG. 3.
FIG. 3.
Worldwide antiviral use for HSV and VZV infections. Annual sales of acyclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir, and valaciclovir for HSV and VZV infections (1990 to 2000). First launch dates for famciclovir, valaciclovir, and topical penciclovir are shown by the arrows. Data are from Intercontinental Medical Statistics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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