Herpes zoster oticus: a clinical model for a transynaptic, reflex pathways, viral transmission hypotheses.
Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) along the sensory nerves innervating the ear, including the geniculate ganglion, is responsible for herpes zoster oticus (HZO). In some cases, HZO is associated with polyneuropathy of the cranial nerves, although the mechanism of this involvement is not known. To explain this phenomenon and based on some clinical considerations, the present authors hypothesize an intersynaptic spread of VZV along the reflex pathways of the brainstem.
Otolaryngology Department, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy.
Matteo
M
Alicandri-Ciufelli
Elisa
E
Aggazzotti-Cavazza
Elisabetta
E
Genovese
Daniele
D
Monzani
Livio
L
Presutti
D001933:Brain Stem / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D003391:Cranial Nerves / Q000821:virology; D016697:Herpes Zoster Oticus / Q000473:pathology / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology*; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009434:Neural Pathways; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000821:virology*; D014775:Virus Activation / Q000502:physiology