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Questions and Answers
What causes shingles in individuals with a history of chickenpox?
Where does the dormant varicella-zoster virus reside in the body?
Which method is NOT used for diagnosing shingles?
Who is at risk of contracting herpes zoster?
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What is a common symptom that may persist after herpes zoster lesions resolve?
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Study Notes
Shingles Overview
- Shingles results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in individuals with a history of chickenpox.
- Occurs during immunocompromised states, indicating a link between immune health and the likelihood of developing shingles.
Virus Dormancy
- The varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the dorsal nerve root ganglia of sensory cranial and spinal nerves after initial chickenpox infection.
Symptoms and Presentation
- Herpes zoster manifests as painful eruptions in a segmental distribution along the skin area corresponding to the infected nerve, typically appearing after days of discomfort.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis involves visual examination, Tzanck smear to confirm herpes infection, and viral culture to identify the specific virus involved.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
- After lesions heal, patients may continue to experience postherpetic neuralgia, characterized by severe pain in the affected area.
Contagion
- Shingles is contagious to those who have never had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks.
Related Viruses
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) includes type 1, mainly causing cold sores (usually on the lip), and type 2, linked to genital herpes, typically below the waist; both types are contagious and can co-occur.
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Description
This quiz covers the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus leading to shingles, focusing on its pathophysiology, symptoms, and diagnosis. Test your knowledge on how shingles can emerge in immunocompromised individuals and its characteristic skin eruptions. Ideal for healthcare professionals and students studying infectious diseases.
