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{{Chickenpox}}
{{Chickenpox}}
==Overview==
[[Chickenpox]] is a highly [[Infectious disease|contagious disease]] contracted by the [[inhalation]] of [[Aerosol|aerosolized]] [[nasopharyngeal]] [[Secretion|secretions]] or through direct contact with the [[Vesicle|vesicles]] from an [[Infection (disambiguation)|infected]] host. Chicken pox has an [[incubation period]] of 10-21 days. [[Viral replication|Viral proliferation]] occurs in regional [[Lymph node|lymph nodes]] of the [[upper respiratory tract]] leading to [[viremia]]. [[Viremia]] is characterized by diffuse [[Virus|viral]] [[invasion]] of [[capillary]] [[Endothelium|endothelial]] cells and the [[Epidermis (skin)|epidermis]]. [[Chickenpox|VZV infection]] of cells of the [[malpighian layer]] produces both [[Intercellular space|intercellular]] and [[intracellular]] [[edema]], resulting in the characteristic [[Vesicles|vesicles.]]


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
*Chickenpox is usually acquired by the inhalation of airborne respiratory droplets from an infected host. The highly contagious nature of VZV explains the epidemics of chickenpox that spread through schools as one child who is infected quickly spreads the virus to many classmates. High viral titers are found in the characteristic vesicles of chickenpox; thus, viral transmission may also occur through direct contact with these vesicles, although the risk is lower.
[[Chickenpox]] is contracted by the [[inhalation]] of [[Aerosol|aerosolized]] [[Nasopharynx|nasopharyngeal]] [[Secretion|secretions]] from an [[Infection (disambiguation)|infected]] host. The highly [[contagious]] nature of [[Varicella zoster virus|VZV]] explains the [[Epidemic|epidemics]] of [[chickenpox]] that spread through schools, as one child who is [[Infection (disambiguation)|infected]] quickly spreads the [[virus]] to many classmates.
===Transmission===
*The mode of transmission is by [[inhalation]] of [[Aerosol|aerosolized]] [[nasopharyngeal]] [[Secretion|secretions]] from an [[Infection (disambiguation)|infected]] host.<ref name="pmid2829675">{{cite journal| author=Straus SE, Ostrove JM, Inchauspé G, Felser JM, Freifeld A, Croen KD et al.| title=NIH conference. Varicella-zoster virus infections. Biology, natural history, treatment, and prevention. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 1988 | volume= 108 | issue= 2 | pages= 221-37 | pmid=2829675 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=2829675  }} </ref>
*[[Chickenpox]] can also be spread from people with [[shingles]] by direct contact.
*[[Viral shedding]] occurs 1-2 days prior to development of the [[rash]] and continues until all their [[chickenpox]] [[blisters]] have formed [[Scab|scabs]].
*[[Nosocomial]] transmission of ''[[Varicella-zoster virus]]'' ([[Varicella zoster virus|VZV]]) has also been reported.<ref name="pmid7351951">{{cite journal| author=Leclair JM, Zaia JA, Levin MJ, Congdon RG, Goldmann DA| title=Airborne transmission of chickenpox in a hospital. | journal=N Engl J Med | year= 1980 | volume= 302 | issue= 8 | pages= 450-3 | pmid=7351951 | doi=10.1056/NEJM198002213020807 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7351951  }} </ref>
 
===Incubation Period===
*The [[incubation period]] of [[chickenpox]] is typically from 14 to 16 days. However, the interval may vary from 10 to 21 days.<ref name="pmid17046469">{{cite journal| author=Heininger U, Seward JF| title=Varicella. | journal=Lancet | year= 2006 | volume= 368 | issue= 9544 | pages= 1365-76 | pmid=17046469 | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69561-5 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17046469  }} </ref>
 
*The [[infectivity]] period begins 48 hours prior to the appearance of the [[rash]] and lasts till crusts appear.


*After initial inhalation of contaminated respiratory droplets, the virus infects the [[conjunctiva]]e or the [[mucosa]]e of the [[upper respiratory tract]]. Viral proliferation occurs in regional [[lymph node]]s of the upper respiratory tract 2-4 days after initial infection and is followed by primary viremia on postinfection days 4-6. A second round of viral replication occurs in the body's internal organs, most notably the [[liver]] and the [[spleen]], followed by a secondary [[viremia]] 14-16 days postinfection. This secondary viremia is characterized by diffuse viral invasion of [[capillary]] [[Endothelium|endothelial cells]] and the [[Epidermis (skin)|epidermis]]. VZV infection of cells of the [[malpighian layer]] produces both intercellular and intracellular [[edema]], resulting in the characteristic vesicle.
===Dissemination===
*After initial [[inhalation]] of [[Contamination|contaminated]] [[Aerosol|aerosolized]] [[Droplet|droplets]], the [[virus]] [[Infect|infects]] the [[conjunctiva]]e and the [[mucosa]]e of the [[upper respiratory tract]].  
*[[Viral replication|Viral proliferation]] occurs in regional [[lymph node]]s of the [[upper respiratory tract]] 2-4 days after initial [[Infection (disambiguation)|infection]], and is followed by primary [[viremia]].  


*Exposure to VZV in a healthy child initiates the production of host [[immunoglobulin G]] (IgG), [[immunoglobulin M]] (IgM), and [[immunoglobulin A]] (IgA) [[Antibody|antibodies]]; IgG antibodies persist for life and confer immunity. [[Cell-mediated immunity|Cell-mediated immune responses]] are also important in limiting the scope and the duration of primary varicella infection. After primary infection, VZV is hypothesized to spread from [[mucosa]]l and [[Epidermis (skin)|epidermal]] lesions to local [[sensory nerve]]s. VZV then remains latent in the [[Dorsal root ganglion|dorsal ganglion]] cells of the sensory nerves. Reactivation of VZV results in the clinically distinct syndrome of herpes zoster (shingles).
==Pathogenesis==


===Microscopic Pathology===
*[[Viral replication]] occurs in the [[liver]], [[spleen]], followed by a secondary [[viremia]] 14-16 days post infection. Secondary [[viremia]] is characterized by diffuse [[Virus|viral]] [[invasion]] of [[capillary]] [[Endothelium|endothelial cells]] and the [[Epidermis (skin)|epidermis]].
*[[Varicella zoster virus|VZV infection]] of cells of the [[malpighian layer]] produces both [[Intercellular space|intercellular]] and [[intracellular]] [[edema]], resulting in the characteristic [[Vesicles|vesicles.]]
*Exposure to [[Varicella zoster virus|VZV]] initiates the production of host [[immunoglobulin G]] ([[IgG]]), [[immunoglobulin M]] ([[IgM]]), and [[immunoglobulin A]] ([[IgA]]) [[Antibody|antibodies]]; [[IgG]] [[antibodies]] persist for life and confer [[Immunity (medical)|immunity]].
*After primary [[Infection (disambiguation)|infection]], [[Varicella zoster virus|VZV]] then remains latent in the [[Dorsal root ganglion|dorsal ganglion]] cells of the [[Sensory nerve|sensory nerves]].
*Reactivation of [[Varicella zoster virus|VZV]] results in the clinically distinct syndrome of [[herpes zoster]] ([[shingles]]).


<gallery>
==Genetics==
Image:Chickenpox M1.jpg|Varicella virus grown in a tissue culture; magnified 500X.
There is no genetic predisposition associated with [[chickenpox]]. Similarities in sibling response to [[varicella vaccine]] are supportive of the hypothesis that [[genetic]] factors play a role in the [[Antibody responses|antibody response]] to the [[varicella vaccine]].<ref name="pmid17414391">{{cite journal |vauthors=Klein NP, Fireman B, Enright A, Ray P, Black S, Dekker CL |title=A role for genetics in the immune response to the varicella vaccine |journal=Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. |volume=26 |issue=4 |pages=300–5 |year=2007 |pmid=17414391 |doi=10.1097/01.inf.0000257454.74513.07 |url=}}</ref>
Image:Chickenpox M2.jpg|Electron micrograph of a varicella (chickenpox) virus.
 
</gallery>
==Associated Conditions==
*[[Thrombocytopenia]]<ref name="MuthuM.B.2013">{{cite journal|last1=Muthu|first1=Valliappan|last2=M.B.|first2=Adarsh|last3=Kumar|first3=P. Sathish|last4=Varma|first4=Subhash|last5=Malhotra|first5=Pankaj|title=Varicella zoster virus-related pancytopenia|journal=International Journal of Infectious Diseases|volume=17|issue=12|year=2013|pages=e1264|issn=12019712|doi=10.1016/j.ijid.2013.06.010}}</ref>
 
*[[Pancytopenia]]<ref name="MuthuM.B.2013">{{cite journal|last1=Muthu|first1=Valliappan|last2=M.B.|first2=Adarsh|last3=Kumar|first3=P. Sathish|last4=Varma|first4=Subhash|last5=Malhotra|first5=Pankaj|title=Varicella zoster virus-related pancytopenia|journal=International Journal of Infectious Diseases|volume=17|issue=12|year=2013|pages=e1264|issn=12019712|doi=10.1016/j.ijid.2013.06.010}}</ref>
 
*Red eye in [[chickenpox]]: varicella-related acute [[anterior uveitis]]<ref name="pmid22778248">{{cite journal| author=Johnston NR| title=Red eye in chickenpox: varicella-related acute anterior uveitis in a child. | journal=BMJ Case Rep | year= 2010 | volume= 2010 | issue=  | pages=  | pmid=22778248 | doi=10.1136/bcr.01.2010.2678 | pmc=3029245 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22778248  }} </ref>
 
==Gross Pathology==
 
=== Rash findings ===
The typical rash in chickenpox may show the following findings:
* Superficial
* Unilocular
* Umblicated
* Area of inflammation around rash
 
* Pleomorphism (papules, vesicles and crusts may be seen simultaneously at the same area)
 
==Microscopic Pathology==


===Transmission===
=== Rash findings ===
*Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The virus spreads easily from people with chickenpox to others who have never had the disease or received the chickenpox vaccine. The virus spreads in the air when an infected person [[coughs]] or [[sneezes]]. It can also be spread by touching or [[breathing]] in the virus particles that come from chickenpox [[blisters]].
Skin lesions in chickenpox may show the following findings:
* Multi-nucleated giant cells
* Steel-gray nuclei with accentuation of nucleoplasm at their periphery
* Necrosis
* Acantholysis
* Vascular dilation


*Chickenpox can also be  spread from people with [[shingles]]. Varicella-zoster  virus also causes shingles. A person with shingles can spread the virus to  others who have never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. In  these cases, the exposed person might develop chickenpox.
<gallery>


====Most Contagious?====
Image: VZV14.jpeg| Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a Varicella (Chickenpox) Virus. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).] ''<ref name=PHIL> {{Cite web | title = Public Health Image Library (PHIL) | url = http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL>


*A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1 to 2 days before they get the rash until all their chickenpox blisters have formed [[scabs]].
Image: VZV13.jpeg| Various viruses from the Herpesviridae family seen using an electron micrograph. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).] ''<ref name=PHIL> {{Cite web | title = Public Health Image Library (PHIL) | url = http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL>


*It takes from 10 to 21 days after exposure to a person with [[chickenpox]] or [[shingles]] for someone to develop chickenpox.
Image: VZV09.jpeg| photomicrograph reveals some of the cytoarchitectural histopathologic changes which you’d find in a human skin tissue specimen that included a chickenpox, or varicella zoster virus lesion (500x mag). <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).] ''<ref name=PHIL> {{Cite web | title = Public Health Image Library (PHIL) | url = http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL>


*If a person vaccinated for chickenpox gets the [[disease]], they can still spread it to others.
Image: VZV08.jpeg| Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-stained photomicrograph reveals some of the cytoarchitectural histopathologic changes found in a human skin tissue specimen that included a varicella zoster virus lesion (50x mag). <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).] ''<ref name=PHIL> {{Cite web | title = Public Health Image Library (PHIL) | url = http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL>


*For most people, getting chickenpox once provides [[immunity]] for life. However, for a few people, they can get chickenpox more than once, although this is not common.
Image: VZV07.jpeg| Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-stained photomicrograph reveals some of the cytoarchitectural histopathologic changes found in a human skin tissue specimen that included a varicella zoster virus lesion (50x mag). <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).] ''<ref name=PHIL> {{Cite web | title = Public Health Image Library (PHIL) | url = http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL>


====Nosocomial Transmission====
Image: VZV06.jpeg| Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-stained photomicrograph reveals some of the cytoarchitectural histopathologic changes found in a human skin tissue specimen that included a varicella zoster virus lesion (500x mag). <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).] ''<ref name=PHIL> {{Cite web | title = Public Health Image Library (PHIL) | url = http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL>
*Nosocomial transmission of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is well-recognized and can be life threatening to certain groups of patients. Reports of nosocomial transmission are relatively uncommon in the United States since introduction of varicella vaccine.


*Patients, health care providers, and visitors with varicella or [[herpes zoster]] can spread VZV to susceptible patients and health care providers in hospitals, long-term-care facilities, and other healthcare settings. These transmissions have been attributed to delays in the [[diagnosis]] or reporting of varicella and zoster and failures to implement control measures promptly.
Image: VZV04.jpeg| Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-stained photomicrograph reveals some of the cytoarchitectural histopathologic changes found in a human skin tissue specimen that included a varicella zoster virus lesion (1200x mag). <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).] ''<ref name=PHIL> {{Cite web | title = Public Health Image Library (PHIL) | url = http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL>
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


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Latest revision as of 20:53, 29 July 2020


Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aravind Reddy Kothagadi M.B.B.S[2]

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Overview

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease contracted by the inhalation of aerosolized nasopharyngeal secretions or through direct contact with the vesicles from an infected host. Chicken pox has an incubation period of 10-21 days. Viral proliferation occurs in regional lymph nodes of the upper respiratory tract leading to viremia. Viremia is characterized by diffuse viral invasion of capillary endothelial cells and the epidermis. VZV infection of cells of the malpighian layer produces both intercellular and intracellular edema, resulting in the characteristic vesicles.

Pathophysiology

Chickenpox is contracted by the inhalation of aerosolized nasopharyngeal secretions from an infected host. The highly contagious nature of VZV explains the epidemics of chickenpox that spread through schools, as one child who is infected quickly spreads the virus to many classmates.

Transmission

Incubation Period

  • The infectivity period begins 48 hours prior to the appearance of the rash and lasts till crusts appear.

Dissemination

Pathogenesis

Genetics

There is no genetic predisposition associated with chickenpox. Similarities in sibling response to varicella vaccine are supportive of the hypothesis that genetic factors play a role in the antibody response to the varicella vaccine.[4]

Associated Conditions

Gross Pathology

Rash findings

The typical rash in chickenpox may show the following findings:

  • Superficial
  • Unilocular
  • Umblicated
  • Area of inflammation around rash
  • Pleomorphism (papules, vesicles and crusts may be seen simultaneously at the same area)

Microscopic Pathology

Rash findings

Skin lesions in chickenpox may show the following findings:

  • Multi-nucleated giant cells
  • Steel-gray nuclei with accentuation of nucleoplasm at their periphery
  • Necrosis
  • Acantholysis
  • Vascular dilation

References

  1. Straus SE, Ostrove JM, Inchauspé G, Felser JM, Freifeld A, Croen KD; et al. (1988). "NIH conference. Varicella-zoster virus infections. Biology, natural history, treatment, and prevention". Ann Intern Med. 108 (2): 221–37. PMID 2829675.
  2. Leclair JM, Zaia JA, Levin MJ, Congdon RG, Goldmann DA (1980). "Airborne transmission of chickenpox in a hospital". N Engl J Med. 302 (8): 450–3. doi:10.1056/NEJM198002213020807. PMID 7351951.
  3. Heininger U, Seward JF (2006). "Varicella". Lancet. 368 (9544): 1365–76. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69561-5. PMID 17046469.
  4. Klein NP, Fireman B, Enright A, Ray P, Black S, Dekker CL (2007). "A role for genetics in the immune response to the varicella vaccine". Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 26 (4): 300–5. doi:10.1097/01.inf.0000257454.74513.07. PMID 17414391.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Muthu, Valliappan; M.B., Adarsh; Kumar, P. Sathish; Varma, Subhash; Malhotra, Pankaj (2013). "Varicella zoster virus-related pancytopenia". International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 17 (12): e1264. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2013.06.010. ISSN 1201-9712.
  6. Johnston NR (2010). "Red eye in chickenpox: varicella-related acute anterior uveitis in a child". BMJ Case Rep. 2010. doi:10.1136/bcr.01.2010.2678. PMC 3029245. PMID 22778248.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 "Public Health Image Library (PHIL)".