Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 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

Chickenpox, pregnancy and the newborn: a follow-up

    Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
    |December 27, 2005
    PubMed

    In September 2005, we published an article on Chickenpox, pregnancy and the newborn. One of the issues it considered was fetal varicella syndrome, an uncommon but potentially fatal consequence of in-utero chickenpox infection. We reported evidence suggesting that contracting maternal chickenpox within the first 28 weeks of pregnancy can lead to fetal varicella syndrome. This suggestion was questioned after publication since it was at odds with national guidance in the U.K. and elsewhere, which has indicated that fetal varicella syndrome occurs only where maternal chickenpox develops before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Here we discuss in more detail the basis for our conclusion and its implications.

    More Related Videos

    Generation of the Early-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation Mouse Model to Assess Prenatal Inflammation on Neurodevelopment08:53

    Generation of the Early-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation Mouse Model to Assess Prenatal Inflammation on Neurodevelopment

    Published on: March 24, 2026

    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,...
    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.
    Development of Immunocompetence01:22

    Development of Immunocompetence

    The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
    The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
    Subsequent T...
    Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

    Pathophysiology of Diabetes

    Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
    Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
    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...
    Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

    Development of the Oral Microbiota

    The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...