Pediatria pre prax 6/2005
ILLNESSES CAUSED BY VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS
Varicella zoster virus, belonging to the herpetic group of viruses, is in primary infection a trigger of chicken pox, in the course of its reaktivation the patiens develops shingles. The course of chicken pox is usually without complications, even though unpleasant for the patiens. In some patients mainly from at-risk groups, however, chicken pox can be a life threating illness. Shingles, with course mainly in older patiens, can be a source of long term neuralgia. There is possibilities for prevention as well as specific treatment for person at-higher risk of infection.
Keywords: varicella zoster virus, varicella, shingles, clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination.
