VZV encephalitis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anthony Gallo, B.S. [2]
Synonyms and keywords: Varicella zoster virus encephalitis; Herpes zoster encephalitis; Varicella zoster encephalitis; Varicella encephalitis;
Overview
Classification
Based on the duration of symptoms, VZV encephalitis may be classified into either acute or chronic.
Pathophysiology
The exact pathogenesis of VZV encephalitis is not fully understood. It is known that VZV encephalitis is the result of the varicella zoster virus, a double-stranded DNA virus within the Herpesviridae family of viruses.[1] The immune system eliminates the virus from most locations, but it remains latent in the dorsal root ganglion and the trigeminal ganglion near the base of the skull. Initial infection by VZV presents as chickenpox, often in children between 1-9. VZV reactivation, which presents as shingles in adults, is the result of a decline in the frequency of VZV-specific T cells.[2] The molecular basis of reactivation remains unknown.[1] Some histopathologic studies suggest of a postinfectious demyelinating process, while other findings cite direct viral cytopathology.[3][4][5]
Causes
VZV encephalitis may be caused by either varicella (chickenpox) or herpes zoster (shingles).
Differentiating VZV Encephalitis from Other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
CT
MRI
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Prevention
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 M.D. JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Expert Consult Premium Edition. Saunders; 2014.
- ↑ Sadzot-Delvaux C, Kinchington PR, Debrus S, Rentier B, Arvin AM (1997). "Recognition of the latency-associated immediate early protein IE63 of varicella-zoster virus by human memory T lymphocytes". J Immunol. 159 (6): 2802–6. PMID 9300702.
- ↑ Bauman ML, Bergman I (1984). "Postvaricella encephalitis". Arch Neurol. 41 (5): 556–8. PMID 6326714.
- ↑ McCormick WF, Rodnitzky RL, Schochet SS, McKee AP (1969). "Varicella-Zoster encephalomyelitis. A morphologic and virologic study". Arch Neurol. 21 (6): 559–70. PMID 4311227.
- ↑ Takashima S, Becker LE (1979). "Neuropathology of fatal varicella". Arch Pathol Lab Med. 103 (5): 209–13. PMID 582251.