Virologic Studies of Generalized Herpes Zoster

Abstract

R. and NAKAO, T. Virologic Studies of Generalized Herpes Zoster. Tohoku J. exp. Med., 1972, 108 (1), 55-62 -Clinical and virologic studies of 2 cases with generalized herpes zoster were reported.The mechanism of varicelliform dissemination of zoster was thought to be as follows: one case was due to the immunodeficient state, but in the other case showing no abnormalities in immunoglobulins and antibody response the cause was not determined. varicella-zoster virus; varicelliform dissemination of zoster It was suggested first by von Bokay (1909) that varicella and herpes zoster were caused by the same agent. This concept was confirmed since W eller et al. (1958) and Weller and Witton (1958) isolated virus from patients with varicella or herpes zoster and found that these isolates were indistinguishable.The mechanism of varicelliform dissemination of zoster remains now obscure.In the present paper we shall report virologic studies on 2 cases with generalized herpes zoster. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two patientswith generalized herpes zoster who were admitted to our Hospital were investigated.Zoster vesicles were investigated by electron microscopic observations in. Case 1. Zoster vesicle fluids were collected for virus isolation on the 4th day after development of the rash in Case 2.Virus isolation was carried out by means of human embryo lung cells. VirusesVaricella-zoster virus (V-Z), the strain B-O, and CF antigen of herpes simplex virus were donated by