Definitions for "Varicella-zoster virus"
a herpesvirus that initially causes chickenpox and may later reactivate to cause herpes zoster (shingles).
A DNA virus of the herpes family. Infection with the virus presents as fever followed by small papules evolving into vesicules, pustules and crusts. The rash begins on the face and scalp then spreads to trunk. The incubation period ranges from 10 to 21 days. The patient is contagious for 1 to 2 days before the onset of rash until all lesions are crusted. The crusts are not infectious. Varicella pneumonia occurs in approximately 10 % of mothers. Mortality is high in untreated cases. Varicella infection up to the 28th week of pregnancy has been associated with limb hypoplasia, cicatricial lesions, psychomotor retardation, cutaneous scars, chorioretinitis, cataracts, cortical atrophy, microcephaly, microphthalmus, and IUGR. The risk of the syndrome is less than 2 %. Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (shingles) during pregnancy does not appear to result in intrauterine infection.
A virus in the herpes family that causes chicken pox during childhood and may reactivate later in life to cause herpes zoster (shingles) in immunosuppressed adults. Also called herpes zoster.