Which antiviral is used to treat herpes simplex encephalitis?

Which antiviral is used to treat herpes simplex encephalitis?

• A. Acyclovir
• B. Ganciclovir
• C. Ribavirin
• D. Oseltamivir

Answer: (A)

Herpes simplex encephalitis is treated with IV acyclovir because it is a potent antiviral that, once activated inside infected cells by viral thymidine kinase, inhibits HSV DNA polymerase and stops viral DNA synthesis. It reaches the central nervous system well, and starting it promptly markedly lowers mortality and neurological damage. Other antivirals listed do not fit this situation: ganciclovir targets CMV and is more myelosuppressive, making it less suitable for HSV CNS infections; ribavirin is used for other viruses like RSV and some hemorrhagic fevers; oseltamivir is for influenza.

Herpes simplex encephalitis is treated with IV acyclovir because it is a potent antiviral that, once activated inside infected cells by viral thymidine kinase, inhibits HSV DNA polymerase and stops viral DNA synthesis. It reaches the central nervous system well, and starting it promptly markedly lowers mortality and neurological damage.

Other antivirals listed do not fit this situation: ganciclovir targets CMV and is more myelosuppressive, making it less suitable for HSV CNS infections; ribavirin is used for other viruses like RSV and some hemorrhagic fevers; oseltamivir is for influenza.