Final answer:
Herpes zoster, or shingles, occurs as a result of latent varicella infection when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates after lying dormant in nerve tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The result of latent varicella infection, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is reactivation in the form of herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. Once an individual has recovered from chickenpox, the virus becomes dormant in nerve cells. Decades later, various stimuli such as stress, aging, or immunosuppression can reactivate the virus, leading to shingles. This condition often exhibits as a painful, localized rash on one side of the body. It's important to note that while latent, the virus makes few if any viral proteins, so there's nothing for the immune system to act against, allowing for potential reactivation.