Expert review of anti-infective therapy
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Dec 2013
ReviewSofosbuvir (GS-7977), a pan-genotype, direct-acting antiviral for hepatitis C virus infection.
Given the global importance of chronic hepatitis C virus infection as a major health burden, there is still a need for treatment options that are more efficient, safer, simpler, more convenient and preferably interferon-free. Sofosbuvir (GS-7977; formerly PSI-7977) is a direct-acting antiviral agent that has met many of these attributes. ⋯ The clinical data evaluating the safety, tolerability and antiviral activity of sofosbuvir in various treatment regimens are presented in this article. Sofosbuvir is a major breakthrough in the care of HCV infection, making it possible that thousands of HCV infected patients around the world achieve cures, and preventing HCV associated morbidity and mortality.
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Oct 2013
ReviewCurrent pharmacological concepts for wise use of echinocandins in the treatment of Candida infections in septic critically ill patients.
Candida infections represent challenging causes of severe sepsis and/or of septic shock in the critically ill patients. Knowledge of current pharmacological concepts may promote a more wise use of echinocandins in the management of Candida infections in this setting. ⋯ However, concerns exist in regards to the feasibility of fixed dosing regimens of echinocandins in all of the different patient populations and in regards to the effectiveness of echinocandin monotherapy in some clinical settings. In presence of deep-seated infections, voriconazole or liposomal amphotericin B may be valuable alternatives or add-on therapy.
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Oct 2013
Halting and reversing HIV epidemics in Asia by interrupting transmission in sex work: experience and outcomes from ten countries.
HIV epidemics spread rapidly through Asian sex work networks two decades ago under conditions of high vulnerability, low condom use, intact male foreskins and ulcerative STIs. Experiences implementing interventions to prevent transmission in sex work in ten Asian countries were reviewed. All report increasing condom use trends in sex work. ⋯ All four countries with national-level HIV declines among sex workers have also documented significant HIV declines in the general population. While all interventions in sex work included outreach, condom programing and STI services, the largest declines were found in countries that implemented structural interventions on a large scale. Thailand and Cambodia, having controlled transmission early, are closest to providing universal access to HIV care, support and treatment and are exploring HIV elimination strategies.