brivudine and Lymphopenia

Herpes viruses are among the most common and troublesome opportunistic pathogens infecting patients with neoplastic diseases. The recent development of partially effective and relatively nontoxic antiviral agents offers promise for the prophylaxis or therapy of these infections in high-risk groups. Vidarabine and acyclovir have shown efficacy in several herpes virus infections and are now licensed in the United States. Alpha interferon may also be useful in the prophylaxis or early therapy of certain herpes virus infections. Newer antiviral agents and combination therapies are under study. Early and rapid diagnosis of such infections is critical to the development of effective therapy.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antineoplastic Agents; Antiviral Agents; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Bromodeoxyuridine; Cloning, Molecular; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster; Herpesviridae Infections; Humans; Infectious Mononucleosis; Interferons; Kidney Transplantation; Leukemia; Lymphopenia; Neoplasms; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Vidarabine