Varicella Zoster virus : molecular biology pathogenesis and clinical aspects Varicella zoster virus (VZV) a member of the herpesvirus family is known as the causative agent of chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (zoster). In the past decades considerable knowledge about the transmission as well as the clinical and epidemiological aspects of VZV infection has been accumulated. Nowadays effective treatment is available and a vaccine has been developed and licensed. This book provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge of the molecular biology and the clinical aspects of VZV. Written by international experts in the field individual chapters cover the diagnosis pathogenesis therapy and epidemiology of VZV infection. In addition recent research findings concerning the viral genome structure the replication cycle the mechanisms of latency and reactivation as well as the development of new vaccines are described. Authoritative and up to date this volume is a vital reference not only for researchers in the herpesvirus field but also for clinical microbiologists dermatologists pediatricians and physicians in general and internal medicine