Cause of Herpes Zoster ?

Ans. is 'c' i.e., Reactivation of latent infection of VZV Varicella zoster virus infection Varicella (Chicken pox) and Herpes zoster are different manifestations of the same virus infection. The virus is therefore called varicella zoster virus (VZA) Primary infection with VZV causes chicken pox. Reactivation of latent VZV, when immunity has fallen to ineffective levels causes-Herpes zoster The virus remains dormant in sensory ganglion of trigeminal nerve and reaches the eye along one or more branches of the opthalmic division of the 5th nerve Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Occurs in old age 60 years or above As a consequence of reactivation of latent infection from the dorsal root ganglion. o Unilateral vesicular eruptions within a dermatomal distribution Dermatomes from T3 to L3 and trigeminal nerve (especially ophthalmic branch) are involved. o Zoster ophthalmicus - due to reactivation in ophthalmic branch of trigeminal (gasserian) ganglia o Ramsay Hunt Syndrome - due to reactivation in geniculate ganglion of facial nerve. o Complications Post herpetic neuralgia - most debilitating complication Meningeal irritation Transverse myelitis Cutaneous dissemination Patient's with hodgkin's disease and non hodgkin's lymphoma are at greatest risk for progressive hespes zoster. Bacterial superinfection