Herpes zoster oticus

Herpes zoster oticus (HZ oticus) can be a complication of shingles, an infection brought on by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) which also causes chickenpox. It really is a lot more likely to take place in individuals who have had chickenpox earlier and represents a reactivation with the dormant varicella-zoster virus. The virus spreads to the facial and sensory nerves innervating the ear with geniculate ganglion which is responsible for HZ oticus. The virus transmits via direct proximity with the cranial nerve (CN) VIII to CN VII in the cerebellopontine angle or by means of vasa vasorum that travel from CN VII to other nearby cranial nerves.

Herpes zoster vaccine

This vaccine is important because it protects against Shingles a painful skin rash also called herpes zoster infection. Each year, at least one million people in the United States get shingles. Shingles is more common in people more than 50 years of age than in younger people. It is also more common in people with weakened immune systems such as people suffering from cancer or in those taking drugs that affect the immune system.

Those who should not be vaccinated with the zoster vaccine include:

• People who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or any other component of the vaccine
• People who have a weakened immune system (for example those with HIV or other immunodeficiency, people undergoing therapy for cancer, a history of cancer of the bone marrow or lymphatic system, or those taking steroids or other drugs that affect the immune system)
• People with active tuberculosis who have not been treated
• People who are or might become pregnant. Pregnancy should be delayed for at least 3 months after getting the vaccine