Chickenpox : Causative Agent, Structure, Pathogenesis, Symptoms, Treatment And MCQs for NEET, GPAT, CSIR NET JRF

CAUSATIVE AGENT : Varicella zoster virus {VZV}

STRUCTURE : It is similar to other herpes virus caspids, the caspid is made up of mainly four types of proteins that are arranged in icosahedral symmetry.

PATHOGENESIS :

• It generally occur in non – immune person as it is an acute vesicular exanthem.
• Infection begins in the nasopharynx.
• When virus enters the bloodstream, viremia is accompanied by onset of fever, malaise and anorexia.
• Maculopapular skin rash, usually on the upper trunk of face, develop in a day or two.
• Also, there will be formation of vesicles which rupture and heal with the formation of scabs.
• In some cases pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis, arthritis, hemorrhage may also occur.

^{The above image is taken for education purpose only from penstatehershey.adam.com}

SYMPTOMS :

Following are the symptoms of chickenpox :-

• Very high fever with headache
• Malaise ( tiredness and a general felling of being unwell )
• Tiny fluid filled blisters, which are formed in one day and can burst and leak.
• Red bumps (papules)
• Itching

^{The above image is taken for education purpose only from hail.to}

TREATMENT :

Following are the antiviral drugs given :-

• Acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
• Famciclovir
• Privigen (it is an immune globulin intravenous)
• Varicella vaccine is also given as a shot when kids are between 12 – 15 month old.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS :-

1.] Once exposed to the infection, in how many days a person can develop chickenpox ?

a. 1

b. 3

c. 5

d. 10

2.] Chicken pox are caused due to which virus ?

a. Varicella zoster

b. Streptococcus

c. Both

d. None of the above

3.] Varicella zoster is an ?

a. Herpes virus

b. Rhino virus

c. Both

d. None of the above

4.] Chicken pox is contagious ?

a. True

b. False

5.] Is there a chicken pox vaccine ?

a. True

b. False

6.] How is shingles treated ?

a. No treatment is available

b. Antibiotics

c. Antivirals

d. Anesthesia

7.] How long does the shingles outbreak lasts ?

a. 1 week

b. 3 week

c. 5 week

d. Both (c) and (d)

8.] What percentage of adults may get shingles ?

a. 10 %

b. 12 %

c. 15 %

d. 25 %

9.] Which of these is a possible complication of shingles ?

a. Vision problem

b. Hearing problem

c. Pain that doesn’t go away

d. All of the above

10.] When can a person with shingles pass shingles on to another person ?

a. Never

b. Just before the rash appear

c. While the rash is visible

d. Both (b) and (c)

SOLUTIONS :-

1.] (d) 10

2.] (a) Varicella zoster

3.] (a) Herpes virus

4.] (a)

5.] (a)

6.] (c) Antivirals

7.] (d)

8.] (d) 25 %

9.] (d)

10.] (a) Never

For More Standard and Quality Question Bank you can Join Our Test Series Programme for GPAT, NIPER JEE, Pharmacist Recruitment Exam, Drug Inspector Recruitment Exams, PhD Entrance Exam for Pharmacy

List of Successful GPATINDIAN CANDIDATES

Participate in Online FREE  GPAT  TEST: CLICK HERE

 Participate in Online FREE  Pharmacist  TEST: CLICK HERE 

Participate in Online FREE  Drug Inspector  TEST: CLICK HERE

Participate in CSIR NET JRF Mock Test

Participate GATE Mock Test

REFERENCES :-

1.] Textbook of Pathology By Harsh Mohan; 7th edition; Page no.177.

2.] Robbin’s Basic Pathology; 5th edition; Page no.349 – 350.