Pathology · single question
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by reactivation of:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Varicella-zoster virus
- A. EBV reactivation is associated with infectious mononucleosis — not shingles.
- B. HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes — not shingles.
- C. Correct. Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which lies dormant in sensory ganglia after primary infection (chickenpox). Reactivation causes a dermatomal rash with severe pain.
- D. HSV-1 reactivation causes recurrent oral herpes (herpes labialis) — not shingles.