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Recognition and treatment of shingles
1Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium.
Drugs
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles. Antiviral drugs like acyclovir are effective treatments, with newer options like famciclovir showing future promise for VZV infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes primary varicella (chickenpox) and latent infections, which can reactivate as herpes zoster (shingles).
- VZV reactivation and subsequent tissue damage are influenced by the patient's immune status.
- Diagnosis involves clinical presentation alongside cytological, histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Varicella zoster virus infections.
- To highlight current and emerging antiviral treatments for VZV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of diagnostic techniques for herpes zoster.
- Analysis of antiviral drugs and other therapeutic agents used against VZV.
- Evaluation of the efficacy of established and investigational VZV treatments.
Main Results:
- Aciclovir is a well-established first-line antiviral agent for VZV infections.
- Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical, histological, and molecular techniques.
- Emerging antivirals such as famciclovir, penciclovir, and valaciclovir show therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of VZV infections requires accurate diagnosis and appropriate antiviral therapy.
- Ongoing research into novel antiviral drugs promises improved treatment efficacy, patient compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
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