Varicella Zoster Virus

Question 1

What is this describing?
Primary infection transmitted by respiratory droplets. 14-21d incubation, Invades respiratory mucosa, replicates in lymph nodes.

Answer 1

VZV infection

Question 2

What is it called when VZV disseminates via mononuclear cells to infection skin epithelial cells?

Answer 2

Chicken pox

Question 3

What is it called when VZV is reactivated after a dormant phase?

Answer 3

Shingles

Question 4

What is this a presentation of?

Prodrome 1-2d fever, malaise, headache, abdominal pain. Then rash, pruritus, vesicles, crust in 48h.

Answer 4

Chicken pox

Question 5

When is chicken pox infectious?

Answer 5

1-2 days pre and 5 days post rash development

Question 6

How is VZV infection diagnosed?

Answer 6

1. Clinical

2. If immunocompromised then viral PCR

Question 7

What is the treatment for VZV infection?

Answer 7

1. Oral acyclovir

2. IV if pregnant, immunocompromised, ocular disease.

Question 8

How is VZV prevented?

Answer 8

1. Vaccination at age 70 to prevent reactivation.

2. VZV Ig if non-immune exposure in immunosuppression, pregnant.