Antiviral Drugs for Cirrhosis and Hepatitis

Viruses are the intracellular parasites that depend on synthetic processes of host cells. They cannot be grown on ordinary medium. Special microscopes are needed to visualize their structure, which consists of Genome (genetic material consisting of DNA or RNA component but never both), Surrounding capsid –proteinaceous in structure, Envelope –protein bilayer. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important cause of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The decision to treat is based on the activity of liver disease and HBV replication status, and the likelihood of a long-term benefit. Approved therapies include standard and pegylated interferon-alfa and nucleoside analogues: lamivudine, adefovir and entecavir. Even with successful therapy, patients remain at risk for reactivation of viral replication and require lifelong monitoring.

HBV in HBsAg-positive patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Highly active antiretroviral therapy is initiated for decreasing mortality relating to HIV. Influenza can be type A, B or C depending upon type. Influenza A and B are more common.