Varicella zoster virus infection.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic review methodology or primary clinical trial data
PubMed 27188665 · doi:10.1038/nrdp.2015.16
What was done
This is a narrative review (Nature Reviews Disease Primer) summarizing the molecular pathogenesis, clinical features, complications, diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies for varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection and reactivation.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data or effect sizes. It details that primary VZV infection causes chickenpox and establishes latency in ganglionic neurons without active viral production. Subsequent viral reactivation produces herpes zoster (shingles), inflammation, neuronal injury, and frequent sequelae including postherpetic neuralgia, myelitis, stroke, cranial neuropathies, and visceral complications. While immunity from natural infection or vaccination prevents chickenpox, it does not prevent reactivation, necessitating separate vaccination approaches for varicella and zoster.
Why it matters
It provides an authoritative overview of VZV biology and complications, highlighting that VZV is the only human herpesvirus with effective preventive vaccines targeting both primary infection and reactivation.
Limits
The abstract contains no empirical study data, participant numbers, or quantitative outcomes. As a broad narrative review, it reflects expert synthesis rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis.
Cited by
- supports Nerve pain during herpes virus reactivation is largely caused by the immune system reacting to the virus exiting neurons and killing off those neurons.