Varicella zoster virus

Because of its ability to produce two clinically distinct disease entities (chickenpox and shingles), varicella tester virus (VZV) is an unusual etiol ogic agent. Although in the past viral exanthems were mostly only of academ ic interest to the practitioner, the development of antiviral agents and th e newly approved varicella (OKA) vaccine have increased the clinical signif icance. Also, with the increasing seroprevalence of HIV infection, more pat ients will be stricken with tester (at a younger age) and disseminated vari cella. In this review, the history, incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manif estations, and treatment options (of VZV infection and postherpetic neuralg ia) will be discussed.