Virology: Herpesviruses

How many human pathogens are present in the herpesvirus family?

Six

What is the shape of herpesviruses?

Icosahedral

Which of the following is a risk factor for reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus?

Fifth or sixth decade of life

What is unique about the way herpesviruses obtain their envelope?

It is obtained by budding from the nuclear membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of antiviral medications such as acyclovir in Varicella Zoster Virus treatment?

To prevent complications in immunocompromised patients Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of herpesvirus replication?

It occurs in the nucleus Signup and view all the answers

How is Varicella Zoster Virus typically transmitted?

Through respiratory droplets and contact with blisters Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of the latency of herpesviruses?

The virus can reactivate and cause disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of transmission for HSV-1 and HSV-2?

Saliva or direct contact with virus from the vesicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical clinical presentation of shingles?

Painful vesicles along the course of a sensory nerve Signup and view all the answers

When do people with chickenpox become infectious?

One to two days before the rash appears Signup and view all the answers

What is postherpetic neuralgia?

Severe nerve pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site of latent infection for HSV-1?

Trigeminal ganglion Signup and view all the answers

What triggers reactivation of the virus in nerve cells and recurrence of vesicles?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections?

HSV-1 generally occurs above the waist, while HSV-2 occurs below the waist Signup and view all the answers

What is a common systemic effect of HSV-2 infections?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of diagnosis for encephalitis caused by HSV?

PCR on CSF Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of transmission for neonatal herpes?

Infection during passage through infected birth canal Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to avoid secondary bacterial infection in shingles?

Maintaining good hygiene and daily cleaning of skin with warm water Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended vaccine for adults 50 years and older to prevent shingles?

Shingrix (subunit vaccine) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended treatment for life-threatening EBV infections?

Acyclovir in high doses Signup and view all the answers

What is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

EBV Signup and view all the answers

What may increase the risk of secondary infection in shingles?

Scratching Signup and view all the answers

What is not necessary for uncomplicated infectious mononucleosis?

Antiviral therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of CMV on immunocompromised patients?

It causes pneumonia and other diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of transmission of CMV?

Through saliva, urine, sexual, parenteral, placenta, within the birth canal, breast milk, blood transfusions and organ transplants. Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for CMV-caused pneumonia and retinitis?

Ganciclovir Signup and view all the answers

What is the disease caused by the Smallpox virus?

Smallpox Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the lesions caused by Molluscum contagiosum virus?

Pinkish, papular with an umbilicated center Signup and view all the answers

What is the diagnosis of Molluscum contagiosum virus infection typically made by?

Clinically Signup and view all the answers