Varicella zoster virus

Because of its ability to produce two clinically distinct disease entities (chickenpox and shingles), varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an unusual etiologic agent. Although in the past viral exanthems were mostly only of academic interest to the practitioner, the development of antiviral agents and th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1999-07, Vol.41 (1), p.1-16
Main Authors: McCrary, Monica L., Severson, Jessica, Tyring, Stephen K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Chickenpox - complications
Chickenpox - diagnosis
Chickenpox - therapy
Herpes Zoster - complications
Herpes Zoster - diagnosis
Herpes Zoster - therapy
Herpesvirus 3, Human
Human viral diseases
Humans
Infectious diseases
Medical sciences
Neuralgia - etiology
Viral diseases
Viral diseases with cutaneous or mucosal lesions and viral diseases of the eye
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Summary:Because of its ability to produce two clinically distinct disease entities (chickenpox and shingles), varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an unusual etiologic agent. Although in the past viral exanthems were mostly only of academic interest to the practitioner, the development of antiviral agents and the newly approved varicella (OKA) vaccine have increased the clinical significance. Also, with the increasing seroprevalence of HIV infection, more patients will be stricken with zoster (at a younger age) and disseminated varicella. In this review, the history, incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment options (of VZV infection and postherpetic neuralgia) will be discussed. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;41:1-14.) Learning Objective: At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be able to discuss the history, incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment options for both VZV infection and PHN.
ISSN:0190-9622
1097-6787
DOI:10.1016/S0190-9622(99)70398-1