The Relationship of Varicella and Herpes Zoster: Electron Microscope Studies

Abstract

The possible relationship or even identity of the viruses of varicella and herpes zoster was first suggested 40 years ago by von Bokay (1909). Since that time papers too numerous for detailed consideration have appeared in support of, or opposition to, the hypothesis of close relationship or identity. Reviews are to be found in papers by Rivers and Eldridge (1929a,b) and by Amies (1934). In general, it may be stated that today most observers believe that many, if not all, cases of herpes zoster are caused by the virus of varicella, and that they in turn can give rise to new cases of variceila. Kundratitz (1925), by the inoculation of clear fluid from vesicles of herpes zoster, obtained typical zoster lesions, localized clear vesicles on a reddish base, in 14 of 28 children who had not had varicella previously. He failed to transmit the disease to 10 who gave previous histories of varicella. Of the 14 children with no history of varicella who did not develop zoster, 3 showed typical varicella. All inoculations were made into light scarifi-cations on the skin. The incubation period was from 9 to 14 days. Successful inoculation of zoster rendered children immune to subsequent inoculation wit