Management of multidrug-resistant viruses in the immunocompromised host

• Published in: British journal of haematology Vol. 156; no. 5; pp. 559 - 572
• Main Authors: Sellar, Rob S., Peggs, Karl S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2012; Blackwell
• Subjects: allogeneic transplant; Antiviral Agents - pharmacology; Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus - drug effects; Cytomegalovirus Infections - drug therapy; Cytomegalovirus Infections - immunology; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Viral - drug effects; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Viral - immunology; Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases; Herpes Simplex - drug therapy; Herpes Simplex - immunology; Herpes Zoster - drug therapy; Herpes Zoster - immunology; Herpesviridae - drug effects; herpesvirus; Herpesvirus 3, Human - drug effects; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Immunodeficiencies; Immunodeficiencies. Immunoglobulinopathies; Immunopathology; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; multidrug-resistant virus; Simplexvirus - drug effects; Viral diseases; Immunopathology; Cytomegalovirus; Hematology; Herpesviridae; allogeneic transplant; Betaherpesvirinae; Immune deficiency; multidrug-resistant virus; Infection; Virus; Clinical management; Multiple resistance; Viral disease; herpesvirus
• ISSN: 0007-1048; 1365-2141
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.08988.x

Summary Multidrug‐resistant viruses remain a clinically challenging complication in the immunocompromised host. This review discusses mechanisms of viral resistance and treatment options in this context with particular emphasis on the immunocompromised haematology patient. We also outline some of the newer agents and treatment strategies being developed to treat multidrug‐resistant viruses.