Alterations in intrahepatic expression of duck hepatitis B viral markers with ganciclovir chemotherapy

Abstract

Ducks congenitally infected with duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) were treated with the guanosine analogue, ganciclovir, and the effect on serum and intrahepatic expression of DHBV DNA and viral proteins was examined. After 21 days of ganciclovir treatment, a substantial reduction in viraemia occurred; in contrast, the level of circulating DHBV surface antigen was unchanged. Ganciclovir therapy also substantially reduced the level of DHBV DNA replicative intermediates and the expression of viral core and surface antigen in hepatocytes. However, despite the antiviral treatment some liver cells, including the bile duct epithelial cells and putative oval cells, maintained their intense staining for the viral proteins. Furthermore, DHBV‐infected cells in extrahepatic sites such as the pancreas, kidney and spleen were also unaffected by ganciclovir treatment. These results suggest that monotherapy with nucleoside analogues is unlikely to eliminate chronic hepadnaviral infection, and antiviral programs should be designed to target all cell populations infected by the virus.

Association of different types of liver disease with demographic and clinical factors

“…Fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, gallstones, and splenomegaly were all diagnosed by abdominal sonography[6]. Fatty liver disease was diagnosed if the liver had homogenously increased echogenicity and a smooth surface.…”

Effect of ketoprofen on intravenous pharmacokinetics of ganciclovir in chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar)

“…In this study, no difference was observed in feed and water intake, behavior, and attitudes in partridges subsequent to the combined use of ganciclovir (10 mg/kg, IV) with ketoprofen (2 mg/kg). It has been reported that the repeated intraperitoneal administration of ganciclovir in ducks (q 24 h for 21 days) is safety (Luscombe et al, 1994). Birds are generally susceptible to renal side effects of NSAIDs, although it varies according to the bird species and the drug used (Toutain et al, 2010).…”

“…It has been reported that the repeated intraperitoneal administration of ganciclovir in ducks (q 24 h for 21 days) is safety (Luscombe et al, 1994). Birds are generally susceptible to renal side effects of TA B L E 1 Pharmacokinetic parameters obtained after intravenous administration of ganciclovir (GCV, 10 mg/kg) alone, and co-administered with ketoprofen (KETO, 2 mg/kg) in chukar partridges (n = 8) NSAIDs, although it varies according to the bird species and the drug used (Toutain et al, 2010).…”

“…However, because ganciclovir has advantages such as long elimination half‐life in cytomegalovirus‐infected cells, lower dose rate, and low nephrotoxic effect compared to acyclovir (Carmichael et al, 2013; Crumpacker, 1996; Dos Santos et al, 1997), it may have the potential use and advantages in infections caused by herpesviruses in partridges. Ganciclovir was used at a dose of 10 mg/kg in the treatment of ducks infected with duck hepatitis B virus (Luscombe et al, 1994; Niu et al, 1993).…”

The Inaugural Australian Centre for Hepatitis Virology Public Panel Discussion on Viral Hepatitis Research—Lessons in Scientific Community Outreach

“…As fundamental Hepatitis B and C research was (and still remains) underfunded, the field instead turned to repurposing other antivirals (e.g., those used to treat HIV and herpes simplex virus). In Australia, the establishment of the duck model of HBV served as a testbed for activity against HBV replication [2][3][4][5]. Combined with pre-clinical studies, several agents with anti-HBV activity were discovered (e.g., famciclovir, used for treating herpes infections).…”