The virus involved in radiculitis, also known as shingles, is the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus is responsible for causing both chickenpox and shingles.
Varicella-zoster virus belongs to the Herpesviridae family and is highly contagious. It primarily affects humans and is transmitted through direct contact with fluid from the blisters of an infected individual. Once a person is infected with VZV, they may develop symptoms of chickenpox, which include a rash, fever, and general malaise.
After the initial infection, the virus does not completely leave the body but instead remains in a dormant or latent state within the sensory ganglia of the nervous system. These ganglia are clusters of nerve cells located along the spinal cord and in certain cranial nerves.
In some individuals, usually later in life or when the immune system is weakened, the varicella-zoster virus can reactivate and cause the characteristic symptoms of shingles. The exact triggers for reactivation are not fully understood, but factors such as stress, aging, and immunosuppression may play a role.
When the virus reactivates, it travels along the sensory nerves to the skin, causing inflammation and the development of a painful rash. The rash typically occurs in a localized area, following the distribution of the affected sensory nerve. This is why shingles often presents as a band or stripe of blisters on one side of the body or face.
The term “radiculitis” specifically refers to the involvement of the nerve roots, which exit the spinal cord and extend into the body. In shingles, the reactivated virus affects these nerve roots, leading to pain and other neurological symptoms in the corresponding dermatome (area of skin supplied by a single nerve root).
In addition to radiculitis, shingles can also manifest as cranial neuritis, which involves the inflammation of cranial nerves. This can result in symptoms such as facial paralysis, loss of hearing, or vision problems, depending on the specific cranial nerve affected.
It is important to note that radiculitis and cranial neuritis are both manifestations of the same underlying infection with varicella-zoster virus. The symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and the severity of the condition can also vary. Prompt medical attention and appropriate antiviral treatment can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications associated with shingles.