1. The Chickenpox Virus
Sarah Etzel

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

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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. Mode of Transmission Respiratory Route Coughing Breathing Sneezing
Skin Lesions

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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 %
Effectiveness
Protection not long-lasting
Failure of Initial Vaccination
Contraction of chickenpox later in life
Riskier Complications
Treatment
Non-Aspirin Medication
Antiviral Medication Prescription

11. 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?