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Varicella Zoster Virus in the Nervous System
Don Gilden1, Maria Nagel2, Randall Cohrs1
1Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 12700, USA; Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 12800, USA.
F1000Research
|February 27, 2016
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles. Reactivation leads to serious neurological issues, especially in the elderly and immunocompromised, highlighting the need for preventative immunization.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a human alphaherpesvirus causing chickenpox and latent infections.
- VZV reactivation, triggered by declining immunity, leads to shingles and neurological complications like encephalitis and vasculopathy.
- Postherpetic neuralgia is a common complication of shingles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathological features of VZV-related neurological complications.
- To discuss diagnostic methods for VZV infections of the nervous system.
- To present updates on VZV pathogenesis research and immunization strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathological data.
- Analysis of VZV DNA and gene expression in ganglia.
- Examination of neuronal and primate models for VZV pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- VZV reactivation causes diverse neurological and ocular diseases, including meningoencephalitis and VZV vasculopathy.
- Diagnostic tests are crucial for identifying VZV involvement in the nervous system.
- Research models provide insights into VZV latency and immunity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding VZV neurological complications is vital for timely diagnosis and management.
- Advances in VZV research are paving the way for effective preventative strategies, particularly for at-risk populations.
- Immunization innovations aim to reduce VZV reactivation and its severe consequences.
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