Varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in which structure?

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 remains dormant in which structure?

Explanation:
Varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the dorsal root ganglia, the clusters of sensory neuron cell bodies just outside the spinal cord. After the initial chickenpox infection, the virus hides in these ganglia in a latent state and can reactivate later in life, traveling along the affected sensory nerves to the skin to cause shingles. This latent reservoir is not in the spinal cord gray matter, peripheral nerves, or lymph nodes.

Varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the dorsal root ganglia, the clusters of sensory neuron cell bodies just outside the spinal cord. After the initial chickenpox infection, the virus hides in these ganglia in a latent state and can reactivate later in life, traveling along the affected sensory nerves to the skin to cause shingles. This latent reservoir is not in the spinal cord gray matter, peripheral nerves, or lymph nodes.

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