Varicella Zoster Virus

Overview of Varicella Zoster Virus

Varicella zoster virus produces two distinct clinical syndromes. One is chickenpox or varicella, the other is herpes zoster or shingles. Chickenpox is a childhood illness varcharacterized by rash and fever. Herpes zoster is most common in later adult life. It causes a rash composed of small vesicles in a band like distribution. It produces pain in the area of the rash. Herpes zoster is thought to occur when the varicella zoster virus, which has remained latent in the nervous system, becomes reactivated.

Causes of Varicella Zoster Virus

Varicella zoster virus is a double stranded DNA virus that most likely infect the body through the respiratory route. Why the virus may remain latent in the sensory nerve and why it should become reactivated as herpes zoster is unknown.

Signs and Symptoms of Varicella Zoster Virus

Chickenpox produces a rash which usually begins on the trunk and face and then spreads. These vesicles forms scabs and eventually fall off. There is fever and malaise. It is most common in children. Herpes zoster usually is seen most commonly after 60 years of age. There is an eruption of vesicles in one part of the body or face. It is confined to one side of the body. The vesicles are distributed in a band that matches the area of supply of a particular sensory nerve. Pain may develop in the area before the rash and may persist after the rash has disappeared. This painful complication, post-herpetic neuralgia, is most commonly seen in individuals over 50 years of age.

Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008

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Varicella Zoster Virus

Overview of Varicella Zoster Virus

Causes of Varicella Zoster Virus

Signs and Symptoms of Varicella Zoster Virus

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