Reactivation of 2 genetically distinct varicella-zoster viruses in the same individual

Abstract

Varicella-zoster viruses recovered from 2 episodes of herpes zoster in an immunocompetent man were found to be different genotypes. The fact that the 2 isolates came from the same individual was confirmed by DNA fingerprinting. Immunity following chickenpox may not always protect against systemic reinfection. This finding raises questions about varicella-zoster virus pathogenesis and may have an impact on public health policy. © 2006 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.