Current Knowledge of Chickenpox

Authors: Muhammad Akram

DOI: 10.23880/oaje-16000191

Volume 8, Issue 1

Abstract

The varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection that causes chickenpox can be dangerous for adults, babies, and immunocompromised individuals. In ganglion neurons, latency follows primary infection. There is no visible neuronal damage and no production of virus particles during this time. When the virus reactivates, it replicates and generates zoster (shingles) in the tissues that the implicated neurons innervate. This process also results in inflammation and cell death, which can induce persistent radicular pain (postherpetic neuralgia). Postherpetic neuralgia has an unclear etiology and is challenging tos manage. Furthermore, meningitis, myelitis, cranial nerve palsies, stroke (vasculopathy), retinitis, and gastroenterologic infections such ulcers, pancreatitis, and hepatitis might arise as consequences of zoster. The only human herpesvirus for which extremely effective vaccinations are available is VZV.

Keywords: Chickenpox Varicella; Water pox; Germ pox

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