Varicelle - Zona

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is an unusual etiologic agent able to produce two clinically distinct disease entities: chickenpox and shingles or Herpes Zoster. Chickenpox corresponds to the primary infection and herpes zoster to the recurrence. The virus is able to establish latent infection primarily in sensitive ganglionnic tissue (neurotropism). Host immune response to VZV is very important, and specific antibodies modify varicella but do not prevent infection. Cellular response (CMI) is highly effective in controlling severity of infection which is correlated with CMI depression. Aciclovir has considerably improved the prognosis of VZV infections, and varicella vaccine is now available and recommended in patients at risk.