Varicella-zoster virus

Paul Auwaerter, M.D.
Varicella-zoster virus is a topic covered in the Johns Hopkins ABX Guide.

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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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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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Last updated: October 9, 2022