Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
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

Herpes zoster in the medically healthy child and covert severe child abuse

M A Gupta1, A K Gupta

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.

Cutis
|September 28, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Childhood herpes zoster (shingles) in healthy children may signal severe, chronic child abuse. Psychological stress from abuse can suppress immunity, leading to shingles. Clinicians should consider abuse in such cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Herpes zoster (shingles) is rare in healthy, immunocompromised children.
  • It is typically associated with weakened cell-mediated immunity.

Observation:

  • Four cases of childhood-onset herpes zoster without underlying medical conditions are presented.
  • All patients reported severe, chronic child abuse preceding the onset of shingles.

Findings:

  • Severe psychological stress from chronic child abuse may impair cell-mediated immunity.
  • This immune suppression could predispose children to developing herpes zoster.

Implications:

  • Heightened clinical suspicion for covert child abuse is recommended in healthy children with herpes zoster.
  • Considering psychological stress as a factor in pediatric herpes zoster is crucial for diagnosis and management.

More Related Videos

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation12:22

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation

Published on: April 2, 2012

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK07:27

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Published on: December 18, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

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,...
Genital Herpes01:23

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
Herpes01:28

Herpes

Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus 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...
Smallpox01:24

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...