viral skin infections Flashcards
when does chicken pox occur, what happens after
primary infection occurs in childhood
the virus then establishes latency in the sensory nerve roots
what causes chicken pox
varicella zoster virus
what are the symptoms of chicken pox
generalised rash (goes from macule to papillose to vesicles to scabs to recovery)
fever
itch
what are the complications of chicken pox
secondary to bacterial pneumonitis haemorrhagic scarring encephalitis neonatal VZV secondary to chickenpox in mother during the late stages of pregnancy
describe latency with regards to shingles
this infection established latency in the nerve roots and often reactive typically in old age
what causes shingles
varicella zoster virus
herpes zoster virus
symptoms of shingles
dermatomal rash
tingling/pain
rash (erythema to vesicle to crust)
what is post-herpetic neuralgia
pain/tingling caused by shingles that lasts longer than 4 weeks
what is Ramsay-hunt syndrome
aka geniculate or optic herpes zoster (type of shingles)
irritation of 8th cranial nerve, facial palsy, vesicles and pain in auditory canal and throat
what is the treatment of shingles
aciclovir
how does aciclovir work
analogue of guanosine, selectively incorporated into viral DNA inhibiting replication
what does herpes simplex virus type 1 cause?
main cause of oral lesions
50% of genital herpes
encephalitis
what does herpes simplex virus type 2 cause?
50% of genital herpes
encephalitis and infection in infants
what is the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV)
aciclovir
what is the investigations of herpes simplex virus
swab - skin or mucous membrane
antibody test
