Varicella is classified under -
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
Enterovirus
Retrovirus
Poxvirus
Herpesvirus