Varicella Zoster Virus and Chickenpox

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.