Human cytomegalovirus kinetics following institution of artesunate after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

ABSTRACT: The anti-malaria drug artesunate has been shown to be an effective inhibitor of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in vitro, in an experimental animal model, and in a recent single-case clinical use. In this first case-series of 6 stem cell transplant recipients who received preemptive artesunate treatment for CMV infection, we have examined the viral kinetics following institution of artesunate, and employed first-phase viral kinetics studies to calculate its antiviral effectiveness. Two patients demonstrated a rapid 0.8-2.1 log viral load decline by 7 days, with a viral decay half-live of 0.9-1.9 days. Four patients demonstrated a continued yet stalled viral growth slope during treatment. No adverse events were noted in treatment courses of up to 28 days. Overall, a divergent antiviral efficacy was r

SUBMITTER: Wolf DG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3253856 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature