Causative organism of chickenpox is?

ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (Shift -2)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (Shift -2)

Explanation

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is an acute, highly infectious disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV).
VZV is classified as Human Herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3) and belongs to the Herpesviridae family.
The primary infection with VZV results in chickenpox, while its reactivation from a latent state causes herpes zoster (shingles).
The options provided are broad categories of microorganisms, and VZV falls under the 'Virus' category.

Option B: Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms. While they can cause skin infections like impetigo or cellulitis, they do not cause the systemic vesicular rash characteristic of chickenpox.
Option C: Fungi are eukaryotic organisms. They are responsible for skin conditions like ringworm (tinea) or systemic infections like candidiasis, not chickenpox.
Option D: Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotes. They cause diseases such as malaria and amoebiasis, which have different modes of transmission and clinical presentations than chickenpox.

Visual 1: Diagram - A comparative chart showing the rash distribution in chickenpox (centripetal) versus smallpox (centrifugal). This helps differentiate the two conditions based on where the rash is most concentrated.
Visual 2: Infographic - The life cycle of the Varicella-Zoster Virus, illustrating the primary infection (chickenpox) and the subsequent latency in nerve ganglia leading to potential reactivation (shingles).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agent of chickenpox as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing chickenpox is a fundamental nursing skill, involving assessment of the characteristic pleomorphic rash (lesions in various stages simultaneously).
Nurses play a key role in infection control by identifying cases, educating on transmission (airborne and contact precautions), and advising on the period of infectivity (from 1-2 days before rash onset until all lesions have crusted over).
Understanding that VZV causes both chickenpox and shingles is crucial for patient education, especially for older adults or immunocompromised individuals who are at risk for shingles.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the type of microorganism that causes chickenpox.
This is a direct factual recall question from microbiology and infectious diseases.
Recall or look up the specific pathogen for chickenpox, which is the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV).
Categorize the specific pathogen (VZV) into the broader options provided. VZV is a type of virus.
Select the option that correctly categorizes the causative agent.
Briefly consider the other options (Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa) and confirm they cause different types of diseases, solidifying your choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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