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Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
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[Varicella: previously healthy children sometimes develop complications]

M E Mérelle1, L F A Visser, J A Bokma

  • 1Spaarne Ziekenhuis, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Postbus 770, 2130 AT Hoofddorp.

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|January 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Severe complications like bacterial infections and ataxia can follow chickenpox in children. Vaccination against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is recommended in Europe and should be considered for national programs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Varicella (chickenpox) can lead to severe complications in healthy children, including neurological issues and secondary bacterial infections.
  • European studies indicate varicella complications occur in 2.5% of healthy children.
  • A European consensus recommends routine varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccination for all children.

Observation:

  • Three healthy boys experienced severe complications (bacterial skin infection, cerebellar ataxia, pneumonia) one week after varicella onset.
  • The boys recovered fully after medical treatment.
  • The Netherlands has not yet implemented routine VZV vaccination.

Findings:

  • Varicella can present with serious, diverse complications in pediatric populations.
  • Prompt medical intervention can lead to complete recovery from severe varicella complications.
  • The incidence of varicella complications underscores the need for preventative measures.

Implications:

  • The findings support the European recommendation for routine VZV vaccination in children.
  • This case series suggests a need to reconsider the inclusion of VZV vaccination in the Dutch national immunization program.
  • Widespread VZV vaccination could reduce the burden of severe varicella-related morbidity in children.

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