Anti-human immunodeficiency virus agent 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine inhibits replication of Epstein-Barr virus.
We show that the anti-human immunodeficiency virus agent, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), which suppresses infectivity and cytopathic effects of human immunodeficiency virus, also effectively inhibits Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA replication. However, AZT has no effect on four other human herpesviruses: cytomegalovirus, varicella-zoster virus, and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. The combination of acyclovir and AZT, while it is not synergistic, has an additive effect against EBV replication. AZT may prove to be a useful drug for treatment of coinfections with human immunodeficiency virus and EBV.
Lin
J C
JC
Lineberger Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27514.
Zhang
Z X
ZX
Smith
M C
MC
Biron
K
K
Pagano
J S
JS
D002460:Cell Line; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000187:drug effects; D006678:HIV; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000187:drug effects; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000187:drug effects; D013936:Thymidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects; D015215:Zidovudine
D015215:Zidovudine; D013936:Thymidine