Clinical and biological differences between recurrent herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus infections

Article Abstract:

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is an infectious disease caused by the varicella virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Zoster is characterized by a painful rash that can last from ten days to five weeks. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is a related but distinct disease that usually causes recurrent lesions in the genital area. Two typical cases are discussed and compared; one is a 72-year-old man with zoster and the other is a 34-year-old woman with herpes simplex. The man experienced one episode of zoster that was prolonged and painful; approximately 10 to 20 percent of those who have varicella during childhood develop zoster, typically after age 60. The woman experienced frequent painful recurrences of genital lesions after an initial infection transmitted by a sexual partner. The two viruses differ in that herpes simplex can be transmitted when the patient has no active lesions whereas zoster has apparently never been passed to another person except during an active symptomatic episode. The way that the immune system regulates latent (asymptomatic) periods and recurrences of these two viruses is discussed.

Case studies, Physiological aspects, Herpes genitalis, Genital herpes, Varicella-zoster virus, Herpes simplex

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Shingles: sorrows, salves, and solutions

Article Abstract:

The treatment of patients suffering from zoster, or shingles, may vary depending of the severity of the attack and the presence of other co-existing illnesses. Shingles is a disorder caused by infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the virus that also causes chickenpox. A 56-year-old woman with advanced lymphoma was suffering from multiple lesions and ulcerations on her face. A viral culture revealed a VZV infection. She was treated with intravenous acyclovir, but her lesions did not heal until several months later. A 72-year women recovered from an attack of shingles without any type of antiviral treatment. Acyclovir is routinely used to treat patients with shingles who are immunocompromised. The dose and the method of administration may vary depending on the individual patient. Treatment with acyclovir is less desirable for normal patients with shingles because of the risk of damage to the eyes and brain.

Health aspects, Acyclovir

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Pharmacotherapy of chronic fatigue syndrome: another gallant attempt

Article Abstract:

The researchers used well-standardized measures of fatigue, quality of life, sleep, and depression to undertake the largest trial of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and to achieve a clinically meaningful primary study. The result provides pilot data with a cholinesterase inhibitor approved for the management of Alzheimer disease, which also underlines some CFS symptoms.

Science & research, Research, Dosage and administration, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Cholinesterase inhibitors, Ambenonium chloride

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