Varicella zoster virus infection.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Neurology

Background:

• Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (zoster).
• VZV establishes latency after primary infection, with potential for reactivation causing severe complications like postherpetic neuralgia.
• Complications of VZV reactivation include myelitis, meningitis, stroke, and various organ-specific infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of VZV infections.
• To emphasize the molecular mechanisms underlying VZV-related diseases.
• To discuss the limitations of current immunity in preventing VZV reactivation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current knowledge on VZV.
• Analysis of molecular events regulating VZV pathogenesis and latency.
• Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for VZV infections.

Main Results:

• VZV latency is established post-primary infection, but immunity does not prevent reactivation.
• Reactivation leads to zoster and potentially severe neurological and systemic complications.
• Two distinct vaccines exist: one for varicella prevention and another for zoster prevention.

Conclusions:

• Understanding VZV molecular pathogenesis is crucial for managing its diverse clinical manifestations.
• Current vaccines effectively prevent varicella but not reactivation; zoster vaccines target reactivation.
• Further research into VZV pathogenesis may improve treatment and prevention strategies for VZV-related diseases.