Varicella-zoster virus

Paul Auwaerter, M.D.

MICROBIOLOGY

DNA virus member of Herpesviridae family.
Humans are only known reservoirs.
The primary infection is spread by respiratory route with viral latency established in nerves.
- Latent VZV later found in dorsal root ganglia and cranial nerve ganglia.
By adulthood, 90-95% are infected (pre-vaccine era).

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