VZV encephalitis: Difference between revisions
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==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
Based on the duration of symptoms | Based on the duration of symptoms, VZV encephalitis may be classified into either acute or chronic. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The causative agent for VZV encephalitis is [[varicella zoster virus]] (VZV), a double-stranded [[DNA virus]] within the [[Herpesviridae ]] family of viruses. The [[immune system]] eventually eliminates the virus from most locations, but it remains dormant (or [[viral latency|latent]]) in the [[ganglion|ganglia]] adjacent to the [[spinal cord]] (called the [[dorsal root ganglion]]) or the ganglion semilunare (ganglion Gasseri) in the base of the skull. | |||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Revision as of 13:30, 16 February 2016
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anthony Gallo, B.S. [2]
Synonyms and keywords: Varicella zoster virus encephalitis; Herpes zoster encephalitis; Varicella zoster encephalitis; Varicella encephalitis;
Overview
Classification
Based on the duration of symptoms, VZV encephalitis may be classified into either acute or chronic.
Pathophysiology
The causative agent for VZV encephalitis is varicella zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus within the Herpesviridae family of viruses. The immune system eventually eliminates the virus from most locations, but it remains dormant (or latent) in the ganglia adjacent to the spinal cord (called the dorsal root ganglion) or the ganglion semilunare (ganglion Gasseri) in the base of the skull.
Causes
VZV encephalitis may be caused by either varicella (chickenpox) or herpes zoster (shingles).