Varicella zoster virus

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) (pronounced: vuh-RIK-uh-luh ZOS-ter VY-rus) is a virus that causes two distinct diseases: chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster).

Etymology

The term "varicella" is derived from the Latin word varius, meaning "spotted", and the term "zoster" is derived from the Greek word zōstēr, meaning "girdle" or "belt". This refers to the characteristic rash that can encircle the body in a 'belt-like' pattern during a shingles infection.

Disease Overview

VZV is a member of the Herpesviridae family, which includes other viruses such as herpes simplex virus and Epstein-Barr virus. It is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air by coughs or sneezes, or by touching the rash caused by the virus.

The initial infection with VZV causes chickenpox, a common childhood illness characterized by a rash, fever, and malaise. After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in the body's nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life to cause shingles, a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body.

Related Terms

Chickenpox: A highly contagious disease caused by the initial infection with VZV. It is characterized by a rash, fever, and malaise.
Shingles: A disease caused by the reactivation of dormant VZV in the body's nerve tissues. It is characterized by a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body.
Herpesviridae: A family of viruses that includes VZV, herpes simplex virus, and Epstein-Barr virus.
Herpes simplex virus: A virus in the Herpesviridae family that causes oral and genital herpes.
Epstein-Barr virus: A virus in the Herpesviridae family that causes infectious mononucleosis.