​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Zoster herpes (Shingles) ( Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV))

​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Zoster herpes (Shingles) ( Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV))
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes shingles. Varicella, or chickenpox, is mostly caused by VZV infection in children and recurs in adults as shingles or zoster.
VZV is very contagious and spreads by respiratory droplets. Only those who have previously had a primary varicella-chickenpox infection can develop herpes zoster.

Fever and malaise are the initial signs of a primary VZV infection, which is followed by a widespread vesicular rash that develops into pustules and scabs (chickenpox).
Herpes zoster, often known as shingles, is caused by the reactivation of latent VZV and is characterized by painful vesicular lesions in the skin along a dermatome innervated by a specific sensory ganglion.
One typical herpes zoster complication that can last for years is postherpetic neuralgia.

After first infecting respiratory epithelial cells, the virus travels through the blood and lymphatic systems to the skin, where it causes a vesicular rash. From there, it infects innervating neurons and creates a latent infection in the dorsal root ganglia. Growing older, immunocompromised due to cancer, AIDS, or immunosuppressive treatment for organ transplantation can all cause reactivation of latency.
While cell-mediated immunity is crucial for eradicating primary and recurrent VZV infections, humoral immunity plays a significant role in avoiding respiratory infections.

A clinical diagnosis is typically made for varicella or zoster. Multinucleated large cells are detected by Tzanck smear of cells from a lesion. Antibody staining specific to VZV can be used to identify the virus and detect it through culture.

Acyclovir, along with prodrugs valacyclovir and famciclovir, is used to treat VZV infections. There are live, attenuated VZV vaccinations available to protect individuals over 60 from zoster and varicella in children.
In individuals with impaired immune systems who have been exposed to VZV, passive administration of VZV immune globulin is utilized to avoid illness.