Write an account on laboratory diagnosis and prevention of chickenpox virus?

a. 1. Cytology smears of scrapings of the base of the lesions will reveal characteristic multinucleate giant cells, also known as Tzanck cells. However this technique will not distinguish between HSV and VZV infection. b. 2. Electron microscopy herpesvirus particles can be seen in fluid taken from the early vesicles of either varicella or zoster. This technique cannot distinguish between HSV and VZV. c. 3. Immunofluorescence cytology smears of the base of lesions can be examined by immunofluorescence cytology, as in the case for HSV. This technique is more sensitive than EM but is more labour intensive and requires greater technical expertise. d. 4. Molecular Methods PCR assays for VZV are available and have been reported to be of use in the diagnosis of VZV meningoencephalitis from CSF specimens.