Primary HSV-2 Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient Reveals High Diversity of Drug-Resistance Mutations in the Viral DNA Polymerase.

ABSTRACT: Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals, despite the availability of effective antivirals. Infections caused by drug-resistant isolates are an emerging concern among these patients. Understanding evolutionary aspects of HSV-2 resistance is crucial for designing improved therapeutic strategies. Here, we characterized 11 HSV-2 isolates recovered from various body sites of a single immunocompromised patient suffering from a primary HSV-2 infection unresponsive to acyclovir and foscarnet. The isolates were analyzed phenotypically and genotypically (Sanger sequencing of viral thymidine kinase and DNA polymerase genes). Viral clone isolations, deep sequencing, viral growth kinetics, and dual infection competition assa

SUBMITTER: Schalkwijk HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12298504 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature