Reactivation of 2 genetically distinct varicella-zoster viruses in the same individual.
Varicella-zoster viruses recovered from 2 episodes of herpes zoster in an immunocompetent man were found to be different genotypes. The fact that the 2 isolates came from the same individual was confirmed by DNA fingerprinting. Immunity following chickenpox may not always protect against systemic reinfection. This finding raises questions about varicella-zoster virus pathogenesis and may have an impact on public health policy.
Taha
Y
Y
Skin Virus Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, E1 2AT, United Kingdom.
Scott
F T
FT
Parker
S P
SP
Syndercombe Court
D
D
Quinlivan
M L
ML
Breuer
J
J
D000328:Adult; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008297:Male; D014775:Virus Activation
D004279:DNA, Viral