Varicella zoster virus
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Classification
Higher order taxa
Virus Group I, dsDNA, Family Herpesviridae, Genus Varicellovirus, Species Human herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3)
Species
Varicellovirus human herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3)
Description and significance
Varicella Zoster Virus usually comes in two forms. Upon the first infection, it produces red, leathery postules and most often appears in children. This is generally known as "Varicella virus" or chicken pox. If the infection subsequently comes back, it is then typically a painful reddish rash that encompasses most of the body. This form of the disease is known as the "Herpes zoster" or shingles part, and mainly afflicts older people, or those with weakened immune systems. The only known hosts are humans, and people have been reporting cases of Varicella since ancient civilizations. By 1888, but the earliest
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.
Genome structure
Being that it is an alpha herpes virus, The Varicella Virus has a latent period in the root ganglia cells, and then is reactivated as the Herpes Zoster Virus. The virion has a nucleocapsid with a protein covering separating it from the lipid envelope that contains the viral glycoproteins, and a core with a linear, double stranded DNA genome. The infection will bring out the immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin A antibodies which will then bind to various viral proteins. [1]
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Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?
Cell structure and metabolism
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Ecology
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Pathology
The Varicella Zoster Virus causes disease in human hosts by inserting its gene into the host cell at the nasopharyngeal mucosa. It is highly contangious and may be transmitted from humans by contact with chickenpox blister fluid or by airborne infection. The incubation period can be anywhere from 14- 21 days, upon which red, itchy postules develop around the hosts body. Patient symptoms include rash, itching, fever and lethargy. In serious cases, such as for small children and immunocompromised adults, it can lead to severe skin infections, pnuemonia, brain damage or even death. After the varicella infection, it has latency in the sensory ganglionic nuerons and may be reactivated years later as the Zoster virus, also known as shingles. Shingles produces painful blisters, and is chareceterized by a rash on one side of the body. Symptoms include hypersensitive skin, itching, and headache.
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
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References
1. Arvin, AM. "Varicella Zoster Virus". Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 1996. Volume 3. p.361-381.
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