Which of the following antiviral agents is a purine nucleoside analogue that has shown promise with Lassa fever, influenza A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
A. Amantadine
B. Rimantadine
C. Vidarabine
D. Ribavirin
The answer is: D
As
an intravenous agent, ribavirin is effective against Lassa fever in the first
week of onset of the disease. It may also be administered as an aerosol that is
quite useful in infants with RSV. Unlike amantadine, which is efficacious only
with influenza A, ribavirin has activity against both influenza A and B if
administered by aerosol in the first 24 h of onset.
