Varicella-zoster virus: atypical presentations and unusual complications.

Authors

Gnann JW 

Institution

University of Alabama at Birmingham and Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-2170, USA.

Source

J Infect Dis 2002 Oct 15.:S91-8.

Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the etiologic agent of varicella (primary infection) and herpes zoster (reactivation of latent infection). Although varicella is most often a relatively benign and self-limited childhood illness, the disease can be associated with a variety of serious and potentially lethal complications in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised persons. One complication of varicella that appears to be increasing in frequency is serious bacterial soft tissue infections caused by group A streptococci. Issues related to management of varicella become especially complex when varicella involves pregnant women or susceptible neonates. Herpes zoster can be associated with a variety of neurologic complications, including a syndrome of delayed contralateral hemiparesis. Neurologic complications of herpes zoster, including chronic encephalitis, occur with increased frequency in AIDS patients. VZV retinitis is a potentially sight-threatening complication that occurs in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised persons. Current knowledge regarding pathogenesis and antiviral therapy is reviewed.

Mesh

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Antiviral Agents
Chickenpox
Chronic Disease
Encephalitis, Viral
Female
HIV Infections
Hemiplegia
Herpes Zoster
Herpesvirus 3, Human
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Infant, Newborn
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
Retinitis
Skin Diseases, Bacterial
Streptococcal Infections
Streptococcus pyogenes

Language

eng

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review

PubMed ID

12353193