Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To consider new treatment options for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, review recent trials, and anticipate their use in clinical practice, focussing on bone marrow transplantation, congenital infection, and intervention during pregnancy. RECENT FINDINGS: Three double-blind randomized placebo-controlled phase 2 proof-of-concept studies have each identified a novel antiviral drug with activity against CMV infection in bone marrow transplant patients. One of these (brincidofovir) inhibits the DNA polymerase that is the target of the currently licensed drug ganciclovir. Another new drug (maribavir) inhibits a protein kinase which, coincidentally, is the enzyme responsible for activating ganciclovir through phosphorylation. The third drug (letermovir) inhibits the terminase enzyme complex responsible for packaging unit length DNA into assembling virions.In addition, in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in neonates with symptomatic congenital CMV infection, a 6-month course of valganciclovir was superior to the standard 6-week course of the same drug. In pregnant women with primary CMV infection, administration of hyperimmune immunoglobulin did not significantly reduce transmission of CMV across the placenta. SUMMARY: The ability to diagnose CMV infections reliably in different clinical settings through application of molecular laboratory methods has ushered in new ways of evaluating potential new treatments for CMV. Several of these may help control the diseases caused by this important human pathogen.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/QCO.0000000000000107

Type

Journal article

Journal

Curr Opin Infect Dis

Publication Date

12/2014

Volume

27

Pages

554 - 559

Keywords

Acetates, Antiviral Agents, Benzimidazoles, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Cytomegalovirus, Cytomegalovirus Infections, Cytosine, Disease Transmission, Infectious, Double-Blind Method, Female, Ganciclovir, Humans, Male, Organ Transplantation, Organophosphonates, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious, Quinazolines, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Ribonucleosides