Shingles

Question 1

What causes shingles?

Answer 1

Varicella zoster virus

Question 2

Describe varicella zoster virus

Answer 2

Enveloped double stranded DNA virus
Part of herpes family

Question 3

Outline the mechanism of infection of shingles

Answer 3

1- After chicken pox
2- Varicella zoster virus enters ganglia > becomes dormant - ‘latent phase’
3- normally doesn’t cause further problems + is monitored by T cells
4- can reactive in some people
5- viral particles travel along nerve to sensory terminals in skin
6- rash appears when virus escapes nerve terminals and invades skin

Question 4

Signs and symptoms of shingles

Answer 4

Tingling in skin
Rash - blotches > itchy blisters that ooze > scab
Sore, red eyes
Impaired hearing or sight
Headache
Difficulty moving one side of face

Question 5

Who does shingles typically occur in?

Answer 5

Immunocompromised patients
Aging patients

Due to reduced T cell response

Question 6

Diagnosis of shingles

Answer 6

Clinical rash
Fluid from papules in rash&raquo_space; PCR to detect virus

Question 7

Treatment of shingles

Answer 7

acyclovir - viral replication inhibitor
paracetamol to relieve pain
Clean and dry rash
Loose clothing
Cool compress

Question 8

How long does shingles take to heal?

Answer 8

Up to 4 weeks