What type of viruses does Acyclovir primarily target?

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is primarily used to treat infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). These viruses are part of the herpesvirus family, which also includes other viruses but Acyclovir has shown particular efficacy against HSV types 1 and 2, which are responsible for oral and genital herpes, respectively, as well as VZV, which causes chickenpox and shingles.

The mechanism of action for Acyclovir involves the selective inhibition of viral DNA synthesis. The drug is converted into its active form within infected cells, where it competes with deoxyguanosine triphosphate for incorporation into viral DNA. This incorporation subsequently disrupts the replication of the viral genome, therefore controlling the infection effectively.

While antiviral agents for other viruses are important, Acyclovir's targeted activity is specifically designed for herpesviruses, making it less effective against HIV, influenza, or hepatitis B, which are addressed by different classes of antiviral medications. Thus, Acyclovir's primary indications showcase its role in managing infections from the herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses.