Varicella is classified under -
Enterovirus
Retrovirus
Poxvirus
Herpesvirus
HERPES VIRUSES

They are enveloped DNA (ds DNA) viruses.
Characterized by their ability to establish latent infections
They replicate in the host cell nucleus


They form Cowdry type A (Lipschutz) intranuclear inclusion bodies
They are divided into three subfamilies :


Alpha Herpes Viruses
Beta Herpes Viruses
Gamma Herpes Viruses