Varicella Zoster Flashcards
def
a childhood rash caused by human alpha herpes virus, varicella zoster
what is the common name for varicella zoster
chickenpox
who is VZV common in
children
is VZV contagious
yes
aetiology
infection by VZV, which is an alpha herpes virus
what is clinical disease a manifestation of
second viraemic phase
what does reactivation of VZV cause
shingles
where does VZV remain latent
cranial nerves and dorsal root ganglia
how is VZV transmitted
contact
aerosol transmission
pathogenesis
VZV infection primary viraemic phase -regional lymph nodes -liver + spleen secondary viraemic phase -VZV spreads to skin causing rash
how long is chickenpox infectious
2 days before skin lesions appear up to 5 days from lesions crusting over
risk factors
children
exposure with infected person
unimmunised
history
common for children to present with a fever and vesicular rash (like a rose petal) which becomes fluid filled vesicles on mucous membranes
additionally itchiness, headache, fatigue, sore throat
where does the rash appear first and where does it spread next
face and scalp
spreads to trunk then extremities
how is VZV diagnosed
clinical diagnosis
