Potent inhibition of genital herpesvirus infection in goats by cidofovir.
BACKGROUND
Like human herpesvirus 2 (HHV-2) in humans, infection by caprine herpesvirus 1 in goats is associated with genital lesions, and this provides a unique model to study the efficacy and effects of anti-herpetic drugs.


METHODS
The antiviral activity of cidofovir was assessed in goats infected experimentally, using various therapeutic protocols.


RESULTS
Topic administration of cidofovir 1% cream prevented the onset of virus-induced genital lesions and drastically reduced virus shedding.


CONCLUSIONS
Cidofovir appears to be a very efficient drug for the prevention of genital lesions caused by an alphaherpesvirus.
Tempesta
Maria
M
Department of Animal Health and Well-being, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy. m.tempesta@veterinaria.uniba.it
Camero
Michele
M
Bellacicco
Anna Lucia
AL
Tarsitano
Elvira
E
Crescenzo
Giuseppe
G
Thiry
Julien
J
Martella
Vito
V
Decaro
Nicola
N
Elia
Gabriella
G
Neyts
Johan
J
Thiry
Etienne
E
Buonavoglia
Canio
C
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077404:Cidofovir; D003596:Cytosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006041:Goats; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D063065:Organophosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018140:Varicellovirus / Q000187:drug effects*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D063065:Organophosphonates; D003596:Cytosine; D000077404:Cidofovir