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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Herpes zoster during varicella
1Department of Pediatrics, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. laukawei@kimo.com.tw
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|December 6, 2001
Summary
A young boy experienced varicella infection followed by herpes zoster in a single thoracic dermatome. This rare co-occurrence of varicella and herpes zoster in a pediatric patient is a unique case report.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Varicella infection, commonly known as chickenpox, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
- Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a reactivation of the VZV, typically occurring later in life.
- Dermatomes are specific areas of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old boy presented with symptoms of varicella infection.
- Two days after the onset of varicella, he developed vesicular lesions localized to the left 10th thoracic dermatome.
- Serum analysis confirmed the presence of varicella-zoster virus IgM antibodies.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with a concurrent varicella infection and herpes zoster.
- This presentation represents a simultaneous occurrence of primary VZV infection and viral reactivation within a specific dermatome.
- The localization of herpes zoster lesions to a single thoracic dermatome was noted.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for unusual presentations of varicella-zoster virus infections in children.
- It suggests that VZV reactivation (herpes zoster) can occur concurrently with primary infection (varicella) under certain circumstances.
- This finding is significant for understanding the complex pathogenesis of VZV and may inform diagnostic and treatment approaches in pediatric infectious diseases.
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