Zoster in patients infected with HIV: a review.

Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the human herpesvirus family, causes childhood chickenpox (varicella), becomes latent in sensory ganglia, and reactivates years later in immunocompromised and elderly persons to produce shingles (herpes zoster). Early in the AIDS epidemic, zoster was noted in adults and children infected with HIV. Severe and debilitating zoster-associated dermatological, ophthalmic, and neurological complications may occur in patients infected with HIV. Antiviral therapy can modify the duration of zoster and alleviate its attendant complications. Varicella vaccine may boost the immunity and prevent virus reactivation. VZV immune globulin (VZIG) prevents or modifies clinical illness in persons who have been exposed to varicella or zoster.

• Authors: A Vafai, M Berger
• Journal: The American journal of the medical sciences (Am J Med Sci) Vol. 321 Issue 6 Pg. 372-80 (Jun 2001) ISSN: 0002-9629 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11417752 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Chickenpox Vaccine
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Central Nervous System Viral Diseases (complications)
• Chickenpox Vaccine (therapeutic use)
• Child
• HIV Infections (complications, immunology)
• Herpes Zoster (complications, diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
• Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (complications)
• Humans
• Immunocompromised Host
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (therapeutic use)
• Infection Control
• Skin Diseases, Viral (complications)