Which of the following viruses is responsible for causing herpes zoster (shingles) upon latent reactivation?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of both chickenpox (primary infection) and herpes zoster (shingles) upon reactivation.
- After the initial infection, VZV remains latent in sensory dorsal root ganglia.
- Reactivation later in life, often due to immunosuppression or aging, leads to the characteristic painful, vesicular rash of shingles.
- Unlike other herpesviruses listed, only VZV is known for this latent reactivation causing a distinct clinical syndrome called herpes zoster.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Edition, Infectious Diseases/Chapter 156
- After the initial infection, VZV remains latent in sensory dorsal root ganglia.
- Reactivation later in life, often due to immunosuppression or aging, leads to the characteristic painful, vesicular rash of shingles.
- Unlike other herpesviruses listed, only VZV is known for this latent reactivation causing a distinct clinical syndrome called herpes zoster.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Edition, Infectious Diseases/Chapter 156
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