Use of antiviral drugs in herpes simplex virus infection
**Lecture: Use of Antiviral Drugs in Herpes Simplex Virus Infection** **Introduction to Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection:** - Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common viral infection that affects a large portion of the world's population. It is categorized into two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. - HSV-1 is primarily associated with oral herpes, causing cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and face. - HSV-2 is mainly responsible for genital herpes, characterized by painful sores in the genital and anal areas. **Understanding Antiviral Drugs:** - Antiviral drugs are medications designed to inhibit the replication and spread of viruses within the body. - They act by targeting specific viral enzymes, proteins, or processes essential for viral reproduction and assembly. **Antiviral Drugs for HSV Infections:** 1. **Acyclovir:** - Acyclovir is one of the earliest and most widely used antiviral drugs for HSV infections. - It works by inhibiting the viral DNA polymerase, prevent