The Chickenpox Virus Sarah Etzel

The Chickenpox Virus Introduction Epidemiology Background Mode of Transmission Methods of Human Resistance Clinical Symptoms Treatment Methods Conclusion & Questions

Introduction Derives from: varicella-zoster virus Worldwide Epidemic Alphaherpesvirus Herpesviridae Family Worldwide Epidemic Easily transmissible

Epidemiology Derives from varicella-zoster virus Worldwide Epidemic Temperate Climates Countries with high morbidity rates of chickenpox cases: U.S., England, Wales, Germany Countries with low morbidity rates of chickenpox cases Netherlands Common Time of Outbreak Occurrence Late Winter and Spring Three varicella-zoster virus genotypes Geographical Origination-Based Ex. Japanese, European, etc.

Background Herpesviridae Family Alphaherpes virus Herpes Simple Virus Types 1 and 2 Structure Homologous Genes Life-Long Latent Infection Host’s Gene Expression Potential effect on the outcome of the infection

Background Varicella-Zoster Virus Smallest Herpes Virus Lacks genes that correspond to certain proteins Ex. Glycoprotein D Cytopathic changes occur 2-7 days from initial infection No effect of the genetic mutations Locations of Virus Latency Cranial Nerve Ganglia Dorsal Root Ganglia Shingles Occurs from varicella-zoster reactivation in late adulthood Autonomic Ganglia

Mode of Transmission Respiratory Route Coughing Breathing Sneezing Skin Lesions

Methods of Human Resistance Humoral Immunity Mediated by Antibodies Antibodies bind to, counteract, and lyses the virus-infected cells Cell-Mediated Immunity Non-Specific Produces: Macrophages NK Cells T-Lymphocytes Lyses varicella-zoster virus-infected cells Controls virus replication in skin lesions Cytokines IgA Antibodies -Protects body surfaces that are exposed to foreign substances IgM Antibodies -Emerges immediately after virus exposure -Decreases after a couple of months IgG Antibodies -Emerges later in antiviral response -Long-Term Immunity -Sustains for years

Clinical Symptoms Uncomplicated Cases Complicated Cases Common Symptoms Rash compromised of itchy, small blisters Fever Fatigue Headache Flu-like Symptoms Uncomplicated Cases Lymphopenia Decline in lymphocyte production Granulocytopenia Decline in WBC blood circulation Complicated Cases Secondary Bacterial Infection Fatal Sepsis Necrotizing Fascitis Hospitalization Meningoencephaliti s Cerebellar Ataxia

Treatment Methods Diagnosis Prevention Treatment Test of antibody production type Culture Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA Testing Direst Fluorescent Antibody Prevention Vaccination 1995 Decrease in chickenpox cases by 95-100% Effectiveness Protection not long-lasting Failure of Initial Vaccination Contraction of chickenpox later in life Riskier Complications Treatment Non-Aspirin Medication Antiviral Medication Prescription

Conclusion & Questions Not life-threatening Varicella-Zoster Virus is easily detectable Shingles risk Questions What are the 3 antibodies that characterize humoral immunity? What are the methods of diagnosis? What are the locations of the latency of the Varicella-Zoster Virus?