Which condition is an acute, localized viral infection caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus?
A) Shingles
B) Psoriasis
C) Herpes simplex
D) Decubitus ulcers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shingles is an acute, localized viral infection of the skin. It is essentially a reactivation of the chickenpox, or herpes zoster, virus. After chickenpox has resolved, the virus lies dormant within sensory spinal nerve roots and is kept inactive by healthy immune responses. However, if the immune response becomes weakened or is suppressed, the virus can travel down a dermatome (cutaneous area innervated by a spinal nerve), which leads to the disease manifestation.

Which Condition Is an Acute, Localized Viral Infection Caused by Reactivation