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Varicella-zoster virus: the childhood infective agent that can reactivate later in life as shingles

While chickenpox is generally regarded as a childhood medical rite of passage, infection by the virus responsible can have serious consequences, particularly for infants, adults, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation looks at a selection of current research into varicella virus infection.


Varicella-zoster virus-related neurological complications: From infection to immunomodulatory therapies

Hakami MA, Khan FR, Abdulaziz O et alRev Med Virol. 2024 Jul;34(4):e2554. doi:10.1002/rmv.2554.

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), classified as a neurotropic member of the Herpesviridae family, exhibits a characteristic pathogenicity, predominantly inducing varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, during the initial infectious phase, and triggering the reactivation of herpes zoster, more commonly recognised as shingles, following its emergence from a latent state. 

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