The Relationship of Varicella and Herpes Zoster: Electron Microscope Studies

Abstract

Elementary bodies have been demonstrated in the vesicle fluid of the lesions of various clinical types of herpes zoster that resemble closely those found in varicella. In the limited experience so far obtained, these elementary bodies have been very scanty in fluids withdrawn from 24 hrs. to 6 days after the first appearance of the rash. In one case in which fluid was obtained 12 hrs. after the appearance of the vesicles the elementary bodies were very numerous. Fluid from this same crop of vesicles, withdrawn 48 hrs. later, showed few elementary bodies (significance discussed). In one instance vesicle fluid was examined from a case of herpes zoster that apparently initiated an outbreak of varicella. Fluid was also examined from 3 of 13 cases of varicella. Scanty but characteristic brick-shaped bodies were found in all 4 fluids.