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Varicella zoster virus (VZV), also known as human herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3, HHV3), is one of nine known herpes viruses that can infect humans. It causes chickenpox (varicella) commonly affecting children and young adults, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults but rarely in children.
Chickenpox, also known as varicella (/ ˌ v ɛ r ə ˈ s ɛ l ə / VER-ə-SEL-ə), is a highly contagious disease caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), a member of the herpesvirus family. [3] [7] [5] The disease results in a characteristic skin rash that forms small, itchy blisters, which eventually scab over. [1] It usually starts on the ...
Diagnosis is typically based on the signs and symptoms presented. [3] Varicella zoster virus is not the same as herpes simplex virus, although they both belong to the alpha subfamily of herpesviruses. [14] Shingles vaccines reduce the risk of shingles by 50 to 90%, depending on the vaccine used.
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Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is neuropathic pain that occurs due to damage to a peripheral nerve caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (herpes zoster, also known as shingles). PHN is defined as pain in a dermatomal distribution that lasts for at least 90 days after an outbreak of herpes zoster. [1]
Shingles is prevented by immunizing against the causal virus, varicella zoster, using a zoster vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for adults 50 and older. Two versions of the vaccine are available, the live attenuated Zostavax (now discontinued in the US, essentially a larger-dose chickenpox vaccine) and the protein subunit Shingrix. [7]
The disease is most commonly caused by the varicella zoster virus and is found almost exclusively in patients with HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Progressive outer retinal necrosis is the second most common opportunistic retinal infection in North America among people with AIDS. [ 4 ]
The underlying mechanism involves a reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) within the trigeminal ganglion supplying the ophthalmic nerve (the first division of the trigeminal nerve). Diagnosis is generally based on signs and symptoms. [2] Alternatively, fluid collected from the rash may be analyzed for VZV DNA using real-time PCR.