Cidofovir as a Potential Antiviral Agent against Monkeypox A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: There are a number of large and complex viruses in the poxviridae family. Among these viruses are orthopoxvirus under which monkeypox virus (MPXV) falls. Monkeypox virus is transmitted through either getting exposed to contaminated objects or direct contact with infected humans or animals. For its treatment, specifically two antiviral drugs are used which are tecovirimat and cidofovir. In AIDS patients, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is present which is treated by using cidofovir.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of cidofovir in treating monkeypox

Study design: A systemic reivew

Methodology: This is a comprehensive study which was performed by using a number of research studies conducted by different authors. The information was gathered through searching different research articles based on monkeypox and cidofovir. The outputs which were assessed were a negative MPXV PCR test, plague suppression, symptom relief without side effects, MPXV replication, and prevention of mortality and morbidity.

Results: The research studies that were included in this article were all related to monkeypox and cidofovir which were published between 2002 and 2024. Initially, there were more than 300 studies but after deleting the duplicate ones, 200 were left. Among these 200 articles, only a few were selected after screening titles and abstract.

Conclusion: It was found that cidofovir is an effective drug to treat monkeypox.