VZV Lecture Notes | The University Of Western Ontario

University:
The University Of Western Ontario
Course:
ANAT 2200B | Systemic Anatomy of the Human Body
Academic year:

2022
Views:

254

Pages:

2
Author:

Kyuwon J.

VZV ● Double stranded DNA virus ● VaHerpesviridae family ● primary infection ○ varicella ○ chickenpox ● reactivation ○ Herpes zoster ○ shingles ● Two have distinct clinical syndromes ● after primary infection, lifelong latency on dorsal root ○ cranial nerve ganglia Virology ● Linear dsDNA ● present in enveloped virus ⇒ heat and ether sensitive ● Intranuclear ● latent at sensory nerve ganglia ● can cause different disease ○ depends on immunity status ○ timing matters Epidemiology ● Very contagious ● Transmissions ○ Respiratory droplets ○ Direct contact on vesicular fluids ● peak incidence ○ varicellar ⇒ childhood ■ pre-vaccinate era ○ Zoster ⇒ older adults ■ immunocompromised patients Mx ● Antiviral Therapy ○ Acyclovir/Valacyclofir/Famciclovir ■ all herpes zoster cases ● within 72hr ■ Severe varicella ■ Immunocompromised patients ○ could expect decrease in severity and duration ■ lower risk of complications ● Supportive cares ○ Antipyretics ■ Aspirin must be avoided in children's ■ Antihistamine on pruritus ■ Analgesia on neuropathic pains Preventive plans ● Vaccination ○ Live attenuated ■ Childhood immunizations ■ Prevention of primary infection ○ Recombinant zoster ■ Shingrix ■ Recc to adults above age of 50 ■ Prevention on shingles ■ PHN prevention ■ Not alive ● it is safe for immunocompromised patients Note! ● Same virus ⇒ chickenpox first, then shingles ● If theres different stage of lesions seen at the same time it is very likely to be varicella ● If theres dermatomal with painful rash it is likely to be zoster