What are antiviral agents primarily used to treat?

Antiviral agents are specifically designed to combat viral infections. They work by targeting various stages of the viral life cycle, either by preventing viruses from entering host cells, inhibiting viral replication, or blocking the assembly of viral particles. This specificity is critical because viruses have unique biological processes that differ significantly from bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Thus, antiviral agents would not be effective against infections caused by fungi, bacteria, or parasites. They are tailored to interrupt viral activity and enhance the host's immune response against viral pathogens.