Description
Varicella is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), a member from the herpesvirus group, and is highly contagious. Alternately known as chicken pox the infection spreads through contact with the droplets of someone who already have a varicella infection. If one gets infected with it the symptoms will typically appear within one week if varicella immunity is not present.
Chickenpox or varicella is characterized by itchy blisters which form a rash. The chicken pox infection leads to immunity from varicella in the future, but the virus remains inactive within certain nerves cells in the body and can revive later as shingles.
This test is used to diagnose Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), commonly known as Chickenpox.
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody (IgG) - Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) causes chicken pox and when reactivated, potentially decades later, causes shingles. Twenty percent of adults will develop shingles, a rash or blister of the skin that may cause severe pain.
Varicella-Zoster IgG, EIA reliably measures immunity due to previous infection, but is unsuitable for detection of post-vaccination immune status.
