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Questions and Answers
What is the characteristic appearance of the vesicular rash in Varicella Zoster Virus?
What is the characteristic appearance of the vesicular rash in Varicella Zoster Virus?
What is the name of the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles?
What is the name of the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles?
What is the name of the test that shows multinucleated giant cells in Varicella Zoster Virus infection?
What is the name of the test that shows multinucleated giant cells in Varicella Zoster Virus infection?
What is the name of the complication that can occur in adults who get chicken pox?
What is the name of the complication that can occur in adults who get chicken pox?
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What is the name of the drug used to treat Varicella Zoster Virus infection?
What is the name of the drug used to treat Varicella Zoster Virus infection?
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What is the characteristic of the rash in Varicella Zoster Virus infection?
What is the characteristic of the rash in Varicella Zoster Virus infection?
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What is the name of the condition that occurs when the virus reactivates in older individuals?
What is the name of the condition that occurs when the virus reactivates in older individuals?
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What is the characteristic of the pain in Postherpetic Neuralgia?
What is the characteristic of the pain in Postherpetic Neuralgia?
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What is the complication that can occur when the virus infects the trigeminal nerve?
What is the complication that can occur when the virus infects the trigeminal nerve?
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What is the type of vaccine used to prevent Varicella Zoster Virus infection?
What is the type of vaccine used to prevent Varicella Zoster Virus infection?
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Study Notes
Varicella Zoster Virus
- Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpes Virus family.
- VZV is an enveloped virus.
Chicken Pox
- Chicken pox is a disease caused by the VZV, characterized by a widespread rash (xanthan).
- Symptoms of chicken pox include headache and fever.
- The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets.
- The rash appears in different stages of healing, affecting individuals of all ages.
Rash Characteristics
- The rash is described as dew drops on a rose petal, with vesicles appearing in a dermatomal pattern.
- The rash can be painful and may last for several weeks.
- In rare cases, the rash can cross the midline, indicating disseminated VZV.
Complications
- Adults who get chicken pox can develop pneumonia.
- Encephalitis is a rare complication of VZV.
- Immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to virus complications.
- VZV can reactivate in older individuals, causing shingles.
Shingles
- Shingles is a reactivation of VZV in older individuals, characterized by a painful, dermatomal rash.
- The rash is often accompanied by postherpetic neuralgia (pain after shingles).
- Shingles can infect the trigeminal nerve, leading to vision loss (herpes zoster ophthalmicus).
Vaccination
- A live vaccine is available for VZV.
- The zoster vaccine is recommended for adults over 60.
- HIV patients with a CD4 count >200 can receive the vaccine.
Treatment
- Acyclovir, Famcyclovir, or Valcyclovir can be used to treat VZV.
- These antiviral medications help reduce the severity and duration of the rash.
Congenital Infections
- Congenital varicella syndrome can occur when a fetus is infected with VZV.
- Characteristics of congenital varicella syndrome include limb hypoplasia, cutaneous scarring, and blindness.
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Description
This quiz covers the characteristics and symptoms of Varicella Zoster Virus, including its classification as a DNA virus, its transmission, and the symptoms of chickenpox. Topics include the virus's structure, mode of transmission, and the appearance of the rash.
