Question

Fill in the blanks ______ is an alpha-herpesvirus family member that causes chicken pox early in childhood and can cause zoster late in life.

Short answer

Answer: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the virus

The virus we are looking for is Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is a member of the alpha-herpesvirus family and causes both chicken pox and zoster (shingles).

Fill in the blanks

Now, we can fill in the blanks with the information we gathered in Step 1: "Varicella-zoster virus is an alpha-herpesvirus family member that causes chicken pox early in childhood and can cause zoster late in life."

Key concepts

Alpha-Herpesvirus

The Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a notorious member of the alpha-herpesvirus family, a subset of herpesviruses characterized by their short reproductive cycle, swift spread to host cells, and ability to establish latent infections, often in sensory ganglia. In alpha-herpesviruses, latency and reactivation are critical phases within their lifecycle. During the latency period, VZV persists in a dormant state within the body's nervous system, notably after the initial infection has resolved.

Alpha-herpesviruses possess a unique envelope covered with glycoprotein spikes, which facilitates their entry into the host cells. The ability of VZV to remain latent and later reactivate is what links the initial condition of chicken pox in children to the development of shingles, also known as herpes zoster, in adults. Understanding this connection is crucial for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies for these viral diseases.

Chicken Pox

Chicken pox, known in the medical world as varicella, is the manifestation of the primary infection caused by the Varicella-zoster virus during childhood or early life. This highly contagious disease is characterized by an itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters and eventually scabs. Fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite are other common symptoms.

Thanks to the widespread use of the varicella vaccine, the incidence of chicken pox has significantly decreased; however, in unvaccinated populations, the virus still spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with the rash. The disease usually runs its course without severe complications, but in certain cases, especially among immunocompromised individuals, chicken pox can lead to serious health issues. Comprehensive understanding of chicken pox, from symptoms to preventive measures, is essential for students, healthcare practitioners, and the general public alike.

Zoster (Shingles)

Shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, is a reactivation of the Varicella-zoster virus, often years or decades after the initial chicken pox infection has been resolved. The reactivation usually occurs when the body's immune system is weakened, either due to stress, aging, disease, or treatments that compromise the immune response.

The hallmark of shingles is a painful rash that wraps around one side of the body or face, in the region innervated by the affected sensory nerves. It's often accompanied by sensations of burning, numbness, or tingling, and in some cases leads to a complication called postherpetic neuralgia, where pain persists long after the rash has healed. While antiviral medications can help manage and shorten the duration of shingles outbreaks, a zoster vaccine is available to reduce the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications. An in-depth apprehension of shingles, its triggers, and management is invaluable for ensuring patient comfort and hindering the spread of the virus.