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The link between varicella and shingles: What does it reveal about the mysterious life of this virus?
When people think of varicella or herpes zoster, they often think of the annoying skin lesions and the pain that comes with them, but life after the varicella virus holds deeper secrets. Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). This virus can remain dormant in the body for many years after the initial infection until it becomes active again and causes shingles. Rash is not only a physiological challenge, but also involves the ability to resist viruses and the risk of complications.
Varicella: Effects of initial infection
Varicella mainly affects children and young adults and the incubation period is generally 10 to 21 days. An infected person is contagious 1 to 2 days before the rash appears. The initial infection usually causes blisters on the skin, accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and general discomfort.
Shingles: The hidden dangerComplications of chickenpox can be serious and include diseases such as encephalitis and pneumonia.
About one-third of people infected with varicella will develop shingles later in life, and the risk is higher in older people. Symptoms of shingles include severe pain and a rash on one side of the body that usually takes a few weeks to heal, but the pain may last longer.
In 10-15% of cases, the pain may persist for more than three months, developing into chronic posterior neuralgia.
The Mystery of Virus Structure and Genome
The genetic material of VZV consists of a linear double-stranded DNA of 126,000 nucleotides. Its genome contains approximately 70 open reading frames and its genetic makeup is closely related to other herpesviruses, indicating a common ancestry. However, the evolutionary history of VZV is relatively unique because almost all VZV clades have been determined through sequence analysis of the entire viral genome.
Fighting VZV: The role of treatment and vaccination
Medications used to treat chickenpox and shingles include acyclovir and other antiviral drugs. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent VZV infection. The Oka/Merck strain vaccine has been included in the vaccination programs of many countries since 1995, significantly reducing the incidence of varicella.
The introduction of the vaccine has not only reduced cases of varicella, but has also reduced hospitalizations and deaths due to VZV.
Future challenges and vaccine development
While the development of the varicella vaccine has had a positive impact on public health, there are concerns about how long immunity conferred by the vaccine will last. As adults age, their immune system may weaken, increasing their risk of developing shingles. Therefore, a new generation of vaccines such as Shingrix were developed to meet this challenge and have shown good immunogenicity and safety in different age groups.
Conclusion
As research continues to deepen, we understand more and more about this virus, but its mystery remains a source of deep thought. The chickenpox virus lurks in our bodies for many years. Can it really never come back?
