Type I and type II interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that establish the cellular antiviral state through the induction of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). We sought to understand the basis of the antiviral activity induced by type I and II IFNs in relation to the functions of their ISGs. Based on gene expression studies, we systematically identified antiviral ISGs by performing blinded, functional s...

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY To evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in treatment of Herpes zoster (HZ), and prevention of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) compared with antiviral drugs. PHN is frequent complication of HZ and may last for months, its treatment isn't very successful. Nonpharmacological regimens for treatment of HZ and prevention of PHN haven't be...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Essential oils are complex mixtures containing compounds of several different functional- group classes. Depending on the structure, we can distinguish monoterpenes, phenylpropanes, and other components. Here in this study two monoterpene compounds of essential oils, i.e. β-pinene and limonene were examined for their antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type...

BACKGROUND Despite disproportionately high rates of hepatitis C (HCV) among patients with severe mental illness, to date, there is scant empirical data available regarding antiviral therapy outcomes within this population. OBJECTIVE To compare antiviral therapy completion and response rates between HCV patients with vs those without schizophrenia (SCHZ). METHODS A regional Veterans Healthca...

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Medicinal plants have been traditionally used for different kinds of ailments including infectious diseases. There is an increasing need for substances with antiviral activity since the treatment of viral infections with the available antiviral drugs often leads to the problem of viral resistance. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes a variety of life threatening diseases. ...

After a discussion of the principles of antiviral chemotherapy, treatment and chemoprophylaxis of the following virus infections are reviewed in detail: the various manifestations of herpes simplex virus infections, varicella-zoster, cytomegalovirus infections, Epstein-Barr virus infections, laryngeal papillomas, and influenza A. Special reference is made to the treatment of immunocompromized p...