Where does varicella-zoster virus come from?
Abstract. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of chickenpox and shingles. The geographic distribution of VZV clades was taken as evidence that VZV migrated out of Africa with human populations. We show that extant VZV strains most likely originated in Europe and not in Africa.
What does the varicella-zoster virus do?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash. The rash first appears on the chest, back, and face, and then spreads over the entire body, causing between 250 and 500 itchy blisters.
What type of virus is varicella zoster?
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) VZV is a DNA virus and is a member of the herpesvirus group. Like other herpesviruses, VZV persists in the body as a latent infection after the primary (first) infection; VZV persists in sensory nerve ganglia.
What are three diseases caused by varicella-zoster virus?
Postherpetic neuralgia, acute encephalitis, aseptic meningitis and myelitis are the most frequent diseases and have been recorded both in association with herpes zoster and in the absence of a cutaneous rash.
Can you kiss someone if you have shingles?
The virus also doesn’t spread when the blisters are well covered. You can’t get shingles through contact with the saliva or nasal secretions of someone who has shingles, except in rare cases.
What does a positive varicella zoster mean?
A positive IgG result indicates the presence of antibodies to varicella zoster virus. – The test cannot distinguish between past infection and current infection though, so a positive result could indicate active infection and not immunity.
How can you prevent varicella-zoster?
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Everyone—including children, adolescents, and adults—should get two doses of chickenpox vaccine if they have never had chickenpox or were never vaccinated. Chickenpox vaccine is very safe and effective at preventing the disease.
How long does varicella immunity last?
Duration of Protection Several studies have shown that people vaccinated against varicella had antibodies for at least 10 to 20 years after vaccination. But, these studies were done before the vaccine was widely used and when infection with wild-type varicella was still very common.
Can varicella be cured?
There is no cure for chickenpox, and the virus usually clears up by itself without any treatment. However, there are ways of easing the itch and discomfort, and there are important steps you can take to stop chickenpox spreading.
How do shingles start?
Shingles often starts with a burning, tingling, or painful sensation along one side of the torso or head. Within one to five days, a rash will appear. Within a few days, the rash will turn into fluid-filled blisters.