Medical History Competency Practice Test

Reactivation of which virus can cause shingles?

Herpes simplex virus Epstein-Barr virus Varicella-Zoster virus Cytomegalovirus

Correct Answer:

Varicella-Zoster virus

Explanation:

Shingles arises when the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant after the initial chickenpox infection, reactivates. This virus hides in the dorsal root or cranial nerve ganglia and, upon reactivation, travels along a sensory nerve to the skin, producing a painful, unilateral vesicular rash confined to a dermatome. Other herpesviruses don’t cause the classic shingles presentation: herpes simplex reactivates mainly as cold sores or genital lesions, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus have different reactivation patterns and illnesses, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. The specific reactivation that leads to the shingles rash is characteristic of the varicella-zoster virus.

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