Antivirals for the treatment of polyomavirus BK replication

Authors: Rinaldo, Christine Hanssen; Hirsch, Hans H

Source: Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, Volume 5, Number 1, February 2007 , pp. 105-115(11)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Antiviral drugs with specific activity against polyomavirus replication have not been developed in the past. This deficiency has become fully apparent with the emergence of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy in kidney-transplant recipients, with a prevalence rate of up to 10%. In most cases, high BK virus replication in tubular epithelial cells causes significant cytopathology, leading to permanently impaired renal allograft function and return to hemodialysis within 6-60 months. In 5-10% of allogenic bone marrow/ hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, high-level BK virus replication in the ureter/bladder mucosa has been associated with postengraftment hemorrhagic cystitis, which appears to involve significant immunopathology. Thus, in view of the increasing clinical need, a number of drugs have been studied in small case series. We review the antiviral strategies explored to date and specifically discuss available in vivo and in vitro data on cidofovir, leflunomide, fluoroquinolones and intravenous immunoglobulins, regarding mechanism, administration, dosing and outcome and provide a perspective on future therapy options.

Keywords: A771476; BK virus; cidofovir; helicase; IVIg; leflunomide; polyoma; polyomavirus

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1586/14787210.5.1.105

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$73.00 plus tax      Refund Policy

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Share this item with others: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A