Micro & Immunology · single question
Following a facial (CN VII) herpes zoster infection, where does the virus remain latent?
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Correct answer: C. Geniculate ganglion
- A. Incorrect. The submandibular ganglion is a parasympathetic relay for CN VII secretomotor fibres, not a sensory latency site.
- B. Incorrect. The otic ganglion is a parasympathetic relay for CN IX to the parotid, not a viral latency site.
- C. Correct. Varicella zoster involving the facial nerve (Ramsay Hunt syndrome) reactivates from the geniculate ganglion — the sensory ganglion of CN VII located at the genu of the facial canal.
- D. Incorrect. The trigeminal ganglion houses latent HSV-1 and is the source of zoster affecting the V1/V2/V3 dermatomes.
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