Articles on Medical Diseases and Conditions

Entries Tagged ‘Tzanck test’

Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a member of the herpesvirus group. Infection is spread through direct contact with skin lesions or through droplet inhalation. The incubation period is about 14 days (range, 9-21 days). Primary infection is usually varicella (chickenpox). The period of skin rash lasts about 4-6 days. This may be preceded by a short […]

Diagnosis of Viral Diseases

Culture. Until the 1980s, except in a relatively few cases the only available laboratory methods were culture and serologic tests for antibodies. There have been significant advances in culture techniques in the past few years, but most virus culture still is difficult and expensive. Culture is performed using living cell preparations or in living tissues. […]