Which of the following is a causative organism for chicken pox?

Appeared in: MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The causative agent for chickenpox is the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), also known as Human alphaherpesvirus 3.
Primary infection with VZV causes chickenpox (varicella), a highly contagious disease characterized by a vesicular rash.
After the primary infection resolves, VZV establishes a latent infection in sensory nerve ganglia and can reactivate later in life to cause herpes zoster (shingles).
VZV is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family.

Option B: Flavivirus is a genus of viruses that includes agents causing diseases like Dengue, Yellow Fever, and Zika, which are distinct from chickenpox and are typically transmitted by arthropods.
Option C: Escherichia coli is a bacterium, not a virus. It is a common cause of urinary tract infections and gastroenteritis, not a viral exanthem like chickenpox.
Option D: Bordetella pertussis is the bacterium that causes pertussis (whooping cough), a respiratory tract infection, not chickenpox.

Visual 1: Image - A close-up photograph of the characteristic chickenpox rash, showing vesicles in various stages of development (papules, vesicles, crusted lesions) to help in visual identification.
Visual 2: Diagram - A simplified illustration of the Varicella-zoster virus life cycle, showing primary infection (chickenpox), latency in nerve ganglia, and reactivation (shingles).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative organism of chickenpox as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the causative agent is fundamental for diagnosis, prevention (vaccination), and infection control.
Nurses must implement airborne and contact precautions for patients with chickenpox to prevent nosocomial spread, as the virus is highly contagious.
Patient education is crucial, including advising against scratching to prevent secondary bacterial infections and scarring, and explaining the period of communicability.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'causative organism' and 'chicken pox'. This is a direct recall question asking for the specific pathogen that causes a known disease.
Read all the options carefully.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of microbiology. Ask yourself: Is this a virus or a bacterium? What disease is it known to cause?
Option A, Varicella-zoster, is a virus directly associated with chickenpox.
Option B, Flavivirus, is a group of viruses causing different diseases (e.g., Dengue).
Option C, Escherichia coli, is a bacterium.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 1 p. 156-157

Practise the full MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.