This protocol addresses herpes zoster in patients whose infection has not responded to acyclovir treatment administered for 10 to 21 days — a presentation consistent with acyclovir resistance.
When a VZV infection fails to respond to an adequate acyclovir course of 10 to 21 days, acyclovir resistance should be considered the working diagnosis. This situation calls for a different therapeutic strategy than standard first-line treatment.
A specific alternative antiviral agent is indicated for acyclovir-resistant herpes zoster when standard therapy has been insufficient.
DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14013
Clinically, VZV infections that do not respond to acyclovir treatment administered for 10 to 21 days may be considered to be acyclovir resistant.
There have also been anecdotal reports of acyclovir-resistant VZV strains responding to cidofovir.
View source ↗