Pathology · single question
Which viral infection most closely mimics irreversible pulpitis in its prodromal stage?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Herpes zoster (varicella-zoster reactivation)
- A. HSV-1 causes primary herpetic gingivostomatitis or recurrent herpes labialis — vesicles on keratinized mucosa/vermilion, not deep pulpal-type pain.
- B. Correct. Prodromal V2/V3 zoster produces deep, spontaneous, poorly localized odontogenic-type pain days before the vesicular rash appears — patients are frequently misdiagnosed and receive unnecessary endodontic therapy.
- C. EBV causes infectious mononucleosis and hairy leukoplakia, not pulpitis-like pain.
- D. Herpangina causes posterior oropharyngeal vesicles and fever, not toothache.