Varicellovirus

virus genus

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Last updated

July 19, 2026

Quick Summary

The genus Varicellovirus is part of the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily within the larger family of Herpesviridae viruses. Viruses in this genus are known to cause diseases in a variety of animals, including humans.12

A notable member of the Varicellovirus genus is the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is responsible for causing chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the VZV can remain dormant in the body's nerve cells. Later in life, if the virus reactivates, it can cause herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. This reactivation leads to a painful rash along nerve pathways.13

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herpesvirus
…genera in the subfamily include Varicellovirus, which contains pseudorabies virus, equine herpesvirus, and varicella-zoster virus (the causative agent of chickenpox); Mardivirus, which contains Marek’s disease viruses types 1 and 2 of chickens and turkey herpesvirus; and Iltovirus, which contains gallid herpesvirus 1.
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…genera in the subfamily include Varicellovirus, which contains pseudorabies virus, equine herpesvirus, and varicella-zoster virus (the causative agent of chickenpox); Mardivirus, which contains Marek’s disease viruses types 1 and 2 of chickens and turkey herpesvirus; and Iltovirus, which contains gallid herpesvirus 1.
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