Varicella Zoster virus: A re-emerging risk in Immunocompromised populations and potential therapies

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), from the Herpesviridae family, is responsible for causing Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, during primary infection and Herpes Zoster, known as shingles, upon. Its reactivation can lead to various neurological complications. With more than half of the world population harboring latent VZV, the global burden of herpes zoster and its associated complications significantly contributes to healthcare costs, underscoring the need for effective vaccination strategies and therapeutic interventions. This review explores the recent advancements in VZV epidemiology, pathogenesis, the clinical spectrum of VZV reactivation, vaccine development, including and therapeutics targeting the latent virus and the immune system.