Which class of antivirals is known for the risk of causing bacterial superinfections?

Protease inhibitors are associated with the risk of causing bacterial superinfections due to their impact on the immune system and the gastrointestinal tract. When these agents are used to manage viral infections, such as HIV, they can lead to significant changes in gut microbiota and may compromise mucosal barriers. This disruption can facilitate the overgrowth of bacteria, leading to secondary infections that can complicate treatment.

Bacterial superinfections occur when the body's normal flora are altered, which can happen with multiple medications, including protease inhibitors. In clinical settings, it has been observed that patients treated with these agents may have an increased susceptibility to various bacterial infections, particularly when their immune system is already weakened due to the underlying viral infection.

Other antiviral classes such as NRTIs, integrase inhibitors, and entry inhibitors do not share the same risk of directly leading to bacterial superinfections. While they may have their own side effects and toxicities, the specific concern regarding disruption of the gut barrier and resulting superinfections is particularly noted with protease inhibitors.