Varicella-zoster virus: mechanisms of pathogenicity and corneal disease

Abstract

As ophthalmologists, many of our patients suffer from the ravages, both ocular and non-ocular, of the varicella-zoster virus. This article is a comprehensive review of the pathogenetic mechanisms of this ubiquitous virus. We review the basic virology, mechanisms of varicella, zoster, latency, reactivation, and the host immune response to the virus. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is discussed with special attention to the cornea and mechanisms of viral keratitis.