Viral Infections Flashcards
What genus causes the Varicella Zoster Virus?
Varicellovirus Genus
What is the host for varicella zoster virus?
Humans
What are the ‘common’ names for issues caused by varicella zoster virus?
Chickenpox
Shingles
What is shingles?
A secondary infection of chickenpox/ varicella zoster virus which infects adults.
Describe the structure of Varicella zoster virus
- Linear DNA Genome
- Icosahedral nucleocapsid
What type of vaccine is used against Varicella zoster virus?
Live attenuated
Describe the transmission of Varicella zoster virus.
- Respiratory route of infection
o Inhalation of aerosols
o Direct contact with infected vesicles
Very contagious
Where does varicella zoster virus replicate?
In the tonsils and regional lymph nodes.
Can also replicate in the internal organs such as the liver and spleen and in capillary endothelial cells of the skin.
What is the incubation period of varicella zoster virus?
2 weeks.
What is caused when varicella zoster virus infects the blood?
Viraemia
Where does the varicella zoster virus become dormant?
Dorsal root ganglia
Describe the formation of the rash caused in Varicella Zoster Virus (chickenpox).
- Rash on the head o Quickly spreads over the body Starts as a flat spot (macule) Changes to clear blister (vesicle) – • These are infectious because they contain live virus Then forms pustule • Drys out to form scab and crusts over Scab falls off after about 2 weeks
Outline the symptoms of Varicella Zoster Virus (Chickenpox)
- Small groups of itchy blisters surrounded by red inflamed skin
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Flu like symptoms
Outline the process for diagnosing Varicella Zoster Virus
- Clinical observation
o Itchy rash of discrete spots that initially look flat and red, but later become raised and filled with fluid.
o Use PCR to detect virus in skin lesions (vesicles, scabs, maculopapular lesions).
o Serology
Describe some of the complications that can occur when a person is infected with Varicella Zoster Virus.
- Staphylococcus and streptococcus infections of vesicles
o This is likely if the vesicles have been scratched and so are open to infection. - Herpes zoster opththalmicus
o Infection of the eye leading to blindness - Herpes zoster oticus
o Infection of the ear leading to hearing loss and facial paralysis - Immunocompromised patients more extensive eruptions
o Haemorrhagic blisters, skin necrosis, secondary bacterial infections - Virus latent in sensory neurons in dorsal nerve gaglia for many years
- May lead re-activation as shingles in adult
- Pregnancy – risk of deformities and death of foetus in utero