Can chickenpox be confused for herpes in a culture test?

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), can both cause blistering skin rashes. However, they are distinct viruses and can be differentiated through various methods, including culture tests. In a culture test, VZV and HSV grow differently and produce characteristic cytopathic effects (CPE) on the infected cells. VZV typically causes multinucleated giant cells with intranuclear inclusions, while HSV produces smaller cells with marginated chromatin and ballooning degeneration. Therefore, an experienced laboratory technician can distinguish between chickenpox and herpes based on the CPE observed in culture. Further confirmation can be obtained through specific viral antigen or nucleic acid detection tests.