Prevention of VZV Infection in Immunosuppressed Patients Using Antiviral Agents

Author: Boeckh, Michael

Source: Herpes, Volume 13, Number 3, 2006 , pp. 60-65(6)

Publisher: Cambridge Medical Publications

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Abstract:

Antiviral agents play a key role in the prevention and treatment of varicella zoster virus (VZV) disease in immunosuppressed patients. Randomized trials show that aciclovir is effective in preventing VZV reactivation disease; however, no consensus exists on dose, duration and patient population for its use. The recent shortage of VZV-specific immunoglobulin has generated renewed interest in the use of antiviral agents as post-exposure prophylaxis. The use of antiviral agents for post-exposure prophylaxis is not supported by randomized trials, but uncontrolled experience suggests that it might be a reasonable alternative if varicella-specific immunoglobulin is not available. Current evidence on the use of antiviral agents in the prevention of reactivation disease and management of exposure to VZV is discussed.

Keywords: VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS; ACICLOVIR; REACTIVATION; POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS; IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENTS

Document Type: Research article

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