Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
08:04
Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
Published on: July 9, 2014
Neonatal varicella: a report of 26 cases
S Singalavanija1, W Limpongsanurak, S Horpoapan
1Division of Dermatology, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Bangkok, Thailand.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|November 24, 1999
Summary
Neonatal varicella, rare in newborns, presents with vesicular rash and potential complications like sepsis and pneumonia. Acyclovir therapy shows benefit in treating this condition, with no observed deaths in the study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatology
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) infection is common in childhood but rare in neonates.
- Neonatal varicella poses significant health risks due to the immature immune system of newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze clinical manifestations, complications, and treatment outcomes of neonatal varicella.
- To evaluate the efficacy of acyclovir in managing neonatal varicella cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 26 neonatal varicella cases from 1988-1995.
- Categorization of cases into perinatal and postnatal varicella based on transmission timing.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, complications, and treatment with intravenous acyclovir.
Main Results:
- 26 cases of neonatal varicella observed, with equal male to female ratio and onset between 6-27 days.
- Perinatal varicella (n=12) and postnatal varicella (n=14) showed similar complication rates (sepsis, pneumonia, pyoderma, hepatitis).
- Intravenous acyclovir was administered to high-risk/severe cases, with no deaths reported.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal varicella can range from mild to severe, influenced by maternal infection timing and transmission route.
- Acyclovir therapy is beneficial for treating neonatal varicella, even without varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG).
- Prompt recognition and management are crucial for improving outcomes in neonatal varicella.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chickenpox
Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...