Chicken Pox - By: Poonam Narsih (Block C)
Scientific Name:
The scientific name for chicken pox is Varicella zoster (VZV), and is also known as human herpes virus 3 (HHV-3), one of the eight herpes viruses known to affect humans.
Disease/Disorder caused by virus: Chicken Pox
Structure of Varicella zoster:
The Varicella-zoster virus has a core consisting of a double-stranded DNA genome (an organism’s whole hereditary information). It is surrounded by a capsid, which is the protein coat or shell of a virus. The nucleocapsid (DNA genome with the capsid) is composed of 162 protein units that make up the capsid, called capsomeres. The capsid forms an 80-120nm icosahedron. The nucleocapsid is enclosed in the lipid envelope, which is the part used to enter a host cell. The region between the nucleocapsid and the lipid envelope is called the proteinaceous tegument, which is not clearly differentiated, and acts as a covering over the nucleocapsid.
How Varicella zoster is transmitted:
Varicella zoster is transmitted through the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread tiny droplets that carry the virus. If a person who has never had chicken pox inhales these particles, the virus enters the lungs, and is carried through the blood and to the skin, where it causes the typical rash. The droplets with the virus initially infect the respiratory tissues.
How transmission can be prevented:
The best way to prevent transmission of Varicella zoster is for the people who are infected to stay home and avoid exposing others who are susceptible (nonimmune children or pregnant women who are not immune). One should stay home for one week after the skin lesions begin, or until the lesions become dry and crusted. One should also wash their hands often, especially after eating and using the bathroom.
The Varicella zoster virus initially attacks the cells of the upper respiratory tract, where it reproduces over a period of 15 days or more (incubation period). The virus then spreads to the bloodstream, and then goes to the skin, causing the familiar rash.
Symptoms of Infection:
Body’s defence against Varicella zoster:
The easiest way to prevent being infected with Varicella zoster is to get vaccinated. However, vaccination is only successful 70% to 90% of the time. Vaccination results in the production of antibodies within the body which would help protect against infection. Without the vaccine, one’s only defence would be to stay away from people who are infected (if one is not immune already).
Treatments/Vaccines:
Treatment:
Treatment usually involves treating the symptoms and making the patient more comfortable. Headache, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches are generally treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Soothing baths with oatmeal are used to relieve itching. Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines may be used to control severe itching. Calamine lotion is applied to the lesions to help dry them out and soothe the skin. Acyclovir is an anti-viral drug that may be used to treat chicken pox.
Vaccines:
Varilrix is a vaccine used in children 9 months and older, adolescents, and adults to prevent chicken pox. It works by causing the body to produce antibodies to protect from infection.
5 Interesting Facts:
Chickenpox
By: Nicole Kelly
Block: D
1. Virus name
2. Disease or disorder caused by virus
3. Description of virus structure (drawing)
4. How is the virus transmitted?
5. How can transmitting be prevented?
6. Describe the type of the body cells attacked
(They are bundles of nerves that transmit sensory information from the skin to the brain.)
7. What are the symptoms of infection?
8. How does the body defend itself?
9. Are there any treatments/vaccines? If so describe.
Normal Reactions: Fever of 101.9 up to 42 days after vaccination, soreness/ itchy around the injection site, Rash occurs 8-19 after injection.
10. 5 interesting facts.