New antifungal and antiviral chemotherapy

Abstract

Until 1970 there were a few antifungal drugs, which had certain limitations including toxicity, narrow spectrum of activity, parenteral administration, and commonly a failure to cure. With the advent of the imidazole derivatives a major new class of antifungal drugs has emerged which combines low toxicity and versatility of administration with a wide spectrum of antifungal action against dermatophytes, yeasts, and dimorphic fungi. Until recently vaccination has been the main method for dealing with virus infections. At the moment several antiviral drugs are available which have some value in the management of viral infections. Acydosis appears to be the most active drug against herpes infections and is far more potent than vidaratine, the only other systemic antiviral available.