Zidovudine is used to treat which of the following?

• A. Disseminated candidiasis
• B. Disseminated herpes simplex
• C. Human immunodeficiency virus
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

Zidovudine is an antiretroviral that inhibits HIV replication by targeting reverse transcriptase. As a nucleoside analog of thymidine, after cellular activation it becomes incorporated into viral DNA and lacks a 3' hydroxyl, causing chain termination. This blocks HIV DNA synthesis, making it effective for treating HIV infection. It does not treat fungal infections like disseminated candidiasis or herpes simplex infections, which require antifungal therapy or other antivirals (e.g., acyclovir). So the appropriate use is for HIV.