Varicella-zoster virus encephalitis occurs most commonly in which patient population?

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Prepare for the NBME Microbiology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each query comes with hints and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Varicella-zoster virus encephalitis occurs most commonly in which patient population?

Explanation:
Varicella-zoster virus CNS invasion is most likely when the immune system, especially T-cell–mediated immunity, is weakened. HIV/AIDS causes substantial impairment of cell-mediated immunity, allowing the virus to disseminate and involve the brain more readily, leading to encephalitis. In healthy individuals and children, the immune system usually contains the virus and CNS involvement is far less common, and while pregnant women can have severe varicella-related illness, encephalitis is not the most common outcome there. So the population at greatest risk for VZV encephalitis is those with HIV/AIDS.

Varicella-zoster virus CNS invasion is most likely when the immune system, especially T-cell–mediated immunity, is weakened. HIV/AIDS causes substantial impairment of cell-mediated immunity, allowing the virus to disseminate and involve the brain more readily, leading to encephalitis. In healthy individuals and children, the immune system usually contains the virus and CNS involvement is far less common, and while pregnant women can have severe varicella-related illness, encephalitis is not the most common outcome there. So the population at greatest risk for VZV encephalitis is those with HIV/AIDS.

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