Varicella-Zoster Virus

DIAGNOSIS

• Varicella-zoster virus may cause typical dermatomal lesions or disseminated infection including retinal necrosis.

• It may cause encephalitis, which is more common with ophthalmic distribution of facial nerve.

TREATMENT

Acyclovir, 10-15 mg/kg IV q8h for 7-14 days, is the recommended therapy. For milder cases, administration of acyclovir (800 mg PO five times a day), famciclovir (500 mg PO tid), or valacyclovir (1 g PO tid) for 1 week is usually effective.