Varicella Zoster

Question 1

what is primary infection of varicella commonly known as

Answer 1

chickenpox

Question 2

what is reactivation of dormant varicella in the dorsal root ganglion known as

Answer 2

shingles

Question 3

how does varicella zoster get transmitted

Answer 3

aerosol inhalation or direct contact with vesicular secretions

Question 4

how long is the incubation period of varicella zoster

Answer 4

14 days

Question 5

presenting symptoms of varicella zoster

Answer 5

Prodromal malaise

Mild pyrexia

Sudden appearance of intensely itchy spreading rash mainly affecting face and trunk

Vesicles weep and crust over

New vesicles appear

Contagious from 48 hrs before the rash until after the vesicles have all crusted over (7-10 days)

Question 6

when may shingles appear

Answer 6

after a period of stress; painful skin lesions. recovery is about 10-14 days

Question 7

signs of chickenpox on physical examination

Answer 7

Maculopapular rash

Areas of weeping and crusting

Skin excoriation (from scratching)

Mild pyrexia

Question 8

signs of shingles on physical examination

Answer 8

Vesicular maculopapular rash

Dermatomal distribution

Skin excoriation

Question 9

investigations?

Answer 9

clinical diagnosis

chicken pox in adults; may require HIV testing

Question 10

management of chicken pox

Answer 10

treat symptoms in children

in adults consider aciclovir

Question 11

in whom may a varicella zoster Ig be considered

Answer 11

immunosupressed and pregnant patients

Question 12

complications of chickenpox

Answer 12

Secondary infection  
Scarring  
Pneumonia  
Encephalitis  
Congenital varicella syndrome