# The genome sequence of varicella-zoster virus (Varicellovirus humanalpha3) obtained by metagenomics from a patient presenting with an exanthem rash

## TL;DR

This paper presents a partial genome sequence of varicella-zoster virus from a patient in Kenya, providing insights into its genetic classification.

## Contribution

The study reports a novel partial genome sequence of varicella-zoster virus from a clinical sample in Kenya.

## Key findings

- The virus isolate was classified into varicella-zoster virus clade 5 through phylogenetic analysis.
- The genome was obtained using metagenomic sequencing from a skin lesion sample.

## Abstract

Here, we report a partial genome sequence of varicella-zoster virus, recovered through metagenomic sequencing from a skin lesion sample collected from a 31-year-old male from Mombasa, Kenya, in August 2024. Phylogenetic analysis placed this isolate in varicella-zoster virus clade 5.