To determine the type of cell(s) that contain latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA, we prepared pure populations of neurons and satellite cells from trigeminal ganglia of 18 humans who had previously had a VZV infection. VZV DNA was present in 34 of 2,226 neurons (1.5%) and in none of 20,700 satellite cells. There was an average of 4.7 (range of 2 to 9) copies of VZV DNA per latently infecte...

Recognition of multifocal vasculopathy due to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is often problematic. We describe a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient who had progressive central nervous system disease for >3 months. Both VZV DNA and antibody were detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens; serial polymerase chain reaction analyses confirmed the diagnosis and guided the duration of t...

We describe an elderly gentleman with end stage renal disease on haemodialysis who presented with ophthalmic zoster infection and was discharged on oral acyclovir. He presented again a few days later with confusion and expressive dysphasia. Differential diagnosis was mainly between varicella-zoster virus (VZV) associated encephalitis versus acyclovir toxicity. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confi...

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a highly neurotropic, exclusively human herpesvirus. Primary infection causes varicella (chickenpox), wherein VZV replicates in multiple organs, particularly the skin. Widespread infection in vivo is confirmed by the ability of VZV to kill tissue culture cells in vitro derived from any organ. After varicella, VZV becomes latent in ganglionic neurons along the ent...

The purpose of this two-part series is to review strategies for the control of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection and ongoing related public-health discussions in Canada. This part focuses on the clinical and epidemiologic description of varicella-zoster virus disease and summarizes the epidemiologic data available through routine national surveillance in Canada. Part 2, to be published in ...

We report a case of AIDS presenting as varicella-zoster virus (VZV) meningomyeloradiculitis associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) quasispecies compartmentalization within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and a CSF viral load that was 1 log higher than in peripheral blood. Prolonged antiviral therapy for both VZV and HIV type 1 was associated with partial resolution.

Disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) have been reported individually in immunosuppressed adults. We present a case of coinfection with disseminated HSV and VZV infection in a patient taking thalidomide for relapsed multiple myeloma. This is the first report of opportunistic infection associated with thalidomide.

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes two diseases: varicella (‘chickenpox’) and herpes zoster (‘shingles’). VZV vaccination of children reduces exposure to chickenpox in the population and it has been hypothesized that this could increase the prevalence of shingles. This ‘exogenous boosting’ effect of VZV raises an important equity concern: introducing a vaccination program could advance the...

During a suspected monkeypox outbreak in the Republic of Congo, we documented transmission of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection with palm and sole manifestations among 5 family members. Genotyping results confirmed the VZV strain European E2, a genotype not previously reported in Africa. VZV with palm and sole involvement should be considered when differentiating a monkeypox diagnosis.

To simplify the titration of infectious varicella-zoster virus (VZV), we generated a reporter cell line that produced luciferase in a dose-dependent manner upon infection with cell-free VZV. A few VZV-infected cells were detectable by coculturing with the cell line. We demonstrated the usefulness of the cell line for antiviral studies.