Antiviral

Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections, rather than bacterial, fungal or other infections. Most antivirals are used for a specific type of virus, while a broad-spectrum antiviral is effective against a wider range of viruses. Although there are a number of broad-spectrum antibiotics, there are very few broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, and the few in existence are generally only effective against a specific family of viruses.

Tenofovir and lamivudine are antiviral drugs which are designed for HIV, but may be effective against other retroviruses. Valacyclovir is often used for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) I and II, as well as for Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), another herpesviruses. Valganciclovir is used for a broader spectrum of herpesviruses, including HSV I and II, VZV, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and is somewhat effective against Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV6). Ribavirin is the only antiviral drug effective against RNA viruses, although it is rarely used due to its toxic side-effects.

Studies

• 2006, Use of valganciclovir in patients with elevated antibody titers against Human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) who were experiencing central nervous system dysfunction including long-standing fatigue. (Abstract)
• 2012, Response to valganciclovir in chronic fatigue syndrome patients with human herpesvirus 6 and Epstein-Barr virus IgG antibody titers (Abstract)
• 2017, A famciclovir + celecoxib combination treatment is safe and efficacious in the treatment of fibromyalgia. (Full text)
• 2018, Migraine Headache Treated with Famciclovir and Celecoxib: A Case Report. (Full text)

See also

• Jose Montoya
• Vagus nerve infection hypothesis
• Viral onset hypothesis

cytomegalovirus (CMV) - A common herpesvirus found in humans. Like other herpesviruses, it is a life-long infection that remains in a latent state inside the human body, until it is 'reactivated' by appropriate conditions. CMV infects between 60% to 70% of adults in industrialized countries and close to 100% in emerging countries. Much is unknown about this virus, although it has been found in salivary glands and myeloid blood cells such as monocytes. It has also been linked to the development of certain cancers. Congenital CMV is a leading infectious cause of deafness, learning disabilities, and intellectual disability. A common treatment for CMV is valganciclovir, commonly known as Valcyte.

antibodies Antibody/immunoglobulin refers to any of a large number of specific proteins produced by B cells that act against an antigen in an immune response.