Case 4: Varicella Zoster Virus

You answered:

	The incidence of herpes zoster in HIV-infected individuals is the same as age-matched HIV-negative persons.

This answer is incorrect. The incidence of zoster among HIV-infected adults is more than 10-fold greater than age-matched immunocompetent persons.

	The Tzanck stain is diagnostic for VZV infection and it rules out other causes of vesicular skin lesions, such as herpes simplex virus infection.
	The preferred therapy for dermatomal herpes zoster in HIV-infected patients consists of acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir).
	The preferred therapy for dermatomal herpes zoster in HIV-infected patients consists of oral valganciclovir (Valcyte).