Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
Basic biology is remarkably similar to HSV.
1. Productive replication >> varicella,
2. Establish latency.
3. Reactivate years later when immunity wanes
and cause herpes zoster.
Very different presentation than HSV
- Varicella is highly contagious (infects lungs >> spread by aerosol)
- Forms lesions all over body (not just one isolated area like HSV)
- Difference appears to be due to VZV’s ability to spread more rapidly through nervous system. VZV uses this network of “underground wires” to go up and down the spinal cord and all over the body.