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Review
. 2006 Jun;70(2):1-16.
doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2006.01.006. Epub 2006 Feb 14.

Treatment of respiratory virus infections

Yacine Abed  1 , Guy Boivin
Affiliations
Review

Treatment of respiratory virus infections

Yacine Abed et al. Antiviral Res. 2006 Jun.

Abstract

Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) can be associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations ranging from self-limited upper respiratory tract infections to more devastating conditions, such as pneumonia. RVIs constitute the most frequent reason for medical consultations in the world and they have a considerable impact on quality of life and productivity. Therefore, the prevention and control of RVIs remain major clinical goals. Currently, there are approximately 200 known respiratory viruses that can be grouped into one family of DNA viruses (Adenoviridae) and four families of RNA viruses (Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Picornaviridae and Coronaviridae). In this paper, we review the major respiratory viruses that cause disesases in humans, with an emphasis on current treatment options.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Mechanisms of action of anti-influenza compounds. The replicative cycle of influenza virus (attachment, internalization, replication and exit from the host respiratory cell) is illustrated. Amantadine blocks viral internalization and uncoating. Neuraminidase inhibitors prevent the neuraminidase from releasing budding viruses and dispersing virions (adapted from Stiver (2003) with permission).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Major members of the Paramyxoviridae family that cause respiratory tract infections in humans: (A) classification; (B) schematic representation showing genomic organizations and gene orders.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Classification of human and animal coronaviruses.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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