Review Article

Stroke After Varicella Zoster Virus Infection : A Review

Article

Akroma MF, Djannatun T

Faculty of Medicine YARSI University, Jakarta, Indonesia.

ABSTRACT

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infects more than 95% of the

human population in the world and isn’t exception in Indonesia.
Varicella zoster virus is a member of the alpha herpesviridae
family have neurotropic character. Our aim is to improve
knowledge about stroke after varicella zoster virus infection,
we hope it could reduce the risk of stroke after varicella zoster
virus infection. Data showed about reactivation of Varicella
zoster virus causes herpes zoster in one half of 85-year-old
individuals, with case of herpes zoster approximately 1 million
in America, and recent studies from Asia, Europe and the
United Kingdom indicate about herpes zoster is a risk factor for
stroke. Reactivation of varicella zoster virus in a ganglion can
directly attack central nerve system without giving rise to
clinical manifestations on the skin. VZV vasculopathy is the
main mechanism. Conclusion is relationship between varicella
zoster virus infection as a risk factor for stroke. Stroke occurs
due to reactivation of varicella zoster virus diagnosed with a
history of past disease and the best virological examination for
diagnose stroke post Varicella zoster virus infection is
detection from antibodies IgG anti-VZV in cerebrospinal fluid.
The faster antiviral treatment is given, so a higher percentage
of reduces the risk of stroke after varicella zoster virus
infection.
Keywords: Stroke, varicella zoster virus, VZV Vasculopathy,
Herpes Zoster