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Varicella-zoster virus reactivation without rash
D H Gilden1, A N Dueland, M E Devlin
1Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation can cause shingles or rare conditions like zoster sine herpete without a rash. VZV DNA was detected in elderly individuals
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation typically causes shingles (herpes zoster), characterized by rash and pain.
- Zoster sine herpete (ZSH) is a rare condition involving VZV reactivation presenting as radicular pain without a rash.
- Virologic confirmation for ZSH and other VZV-associated diseases without rash is often limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical and virologic features of ZSH and other VZV disorders that occur without a rash.
- To present evidence for VZV detection in blood mononuclear cells of elderly individuals without apparent VZV disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical and virologic studies on VZV reactivation.
- Analysis of evidence for VZV detection in blood mononuclear cells.
Main Results:
- VZV can cause various neurologic and visceral diseases without the characteristic rash or pain.
- Sparse virologic evidence exists for ZSH.
- VZV DNA was detected in blood mononuclear cells of elderly individuals, even without skin lesions or other VZV symptoms.
Conclusions:
- VZV reactivation can manifest in diverse ways, including conditions without typical rash or pain.
- The presence of VZV DNA in blood mononuclear cells suggests potential subclinical VZV activity in the elderly.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance of VZV detection without overt disease.