Disease: Chickenpox Causative agent: varicella zoster virus Type of causative agent: a type of herpes virus Description of causative

agent: A virus is an organism not composed of cells, it is a single nucleic acid and a capsid. Remember that when outside a living host, a virus is not capable of reproduction or other life processes Mode of transmission: Chickenpox is most commonly acquired through the respiratory route. It can be spread easily via coughing or sneezing, or by coming in direct contact with fluid from a chickenpox blister. Disease progression: After a person is infected, it can take 10 to 21 days for the pox to appear on the skin. A person has been contagious for about 48 hours before the pox are visible. Normal breakouts consist of 250 to 500 vesicles that are small, red, and itchy. Pox usually first develop on the scalp, abdomen and face, and then spread to other parts of the body including the eyes and other mucous membranes. The vesicles will typically appear over a 4 day period. A vesicle will crust over usually in 2448 hours. The infected individual may exhibit some symptoms like fever, decreased appetite, stomach ache, and even dry cough. Once all spots have crusted over the individual is no longer contagious. Chickenpox is a common infection in children and is usually self limiting, but it can sometimes be fatal in individuals who are immunocompromised. Scars can result from the scratching of chicken pox because by breaking the skin, you introduce more bacteria to your skin. Diagnostic procedures: Typically just diagnosed by the appearance of the pox, but can be test with blood draws including PCR, IgG, and IgM. The pox fluid could also be cultured for diagnoses.

Means of immunization: The chickenpox vaccine is made from weakened varicella virus, and it prepares the body to fight the infection. Children should be given 2 doses to be best protected. First dose at 1215 months, and the second at 4-6 years. Treatment: Acyclovir is the approved treatment for chickenpox, however it is not necessary for people with normal immune systems. Most commonly the virus is allowed to run its course, and you keep the individual comfortable with antihistamines and/or topical creams to ease the itching. Tylenol may be given to control the fever. Bibliography: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chickenpox or Varicella Zoster Virus Fact sheet. Retrieved June 13, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/fs-parents.html. New York State Health Dept. Chickenpox (varicella zoster infection). Retrieved June 13, 2012, from http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/chickenpox/ fact_sheet.html. Pub Med Health. Routine vaccination against chickenpox? Retrieved June 20, 2012 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22495050.