Micro & Immunology · single question
Herpes zoster (shingles) is a reactivation of which virus?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
Shingles = reactivation of VZV from latency in sensory ganglia after primary varicella (chickenpox).
- A. HSV-1 causes herpes labialis (cold sores) and primary herpetic gingivostomatitis, not shingles.
- B. CORRECT. Shingles is VZV reactivation. After primary chickenpox, VZV establishes latency in sensory ganglia. Reactivation causes painful unilateral dermatomal vesicular rash not crossing the midline.
- C. Epstein-Barr virus causes mononucleosis and is associated with oral hairy leukoplakia — not shingles.
- D. CMV causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients and congenital infections — not shingles.
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