Drugs of Abuse and Their Impact on Viral Pathogenesis
Jason T. Blackard, K.E. Sherman
Abstract
Commonly misused substances such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and opioids suppress immune responses and may impact viral pathogenesis. In recent years, illicit use of opioids has fueled outbreaks of several viral pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This review focuses on the myriad of mechanisms by which drugs of abuse impact viral replication and disease progression. Virus-drug interactions can accelerate viral disease progression and lead to increased risk of virus transmission.
Topics & Concepts
VirologyVirusMedicineHepatitis C virusPathogenesisImmunologyHeroinDiseaseViral replicationViral hepatitisHepatitis B virusViral pathogenesisViral diseaseAntiviral drugDrugPsychiatryInternal medicineHIV, Drug Use, Sexual RiskCannabis and Cannabinoid ResearchHepatitis C virus research