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Updated: Jun 22, 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
Congenital varicella syndrome: still a problem?
Cinzia Auriti1, Fiammetta Piersigilli, Marco Rossi De Gasperis
1Department of Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy. auriti@opbg.net
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
|May 30, 2009
Summary
Chickenpox in pregnancy can lead to congenital varicella syndrome (CVS) in newborns, causing developmental issues. Expert counseling and maternal immunization are crucial for preventing VZV transmission and adverse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection during pregnancy poses risks to fetal development.
- Congenital varicella syndrome (CVS) can result from intrauterine VZV transmission, particularly in early gestation.
Observation:
- A pregnant woman contracted chickenpox at 12 weeks gestation and opted against invasive testing.
- Ultrasound revealed CVS symptoms at 29 and 34 weeks; the newborn tested negative for VZV DNA.
- The mother remained asymptomatic, and the newborn was not isolated initially.
Findings:
- Intrauterine VZV infection before 28 weeks can cause CVS with limb deformities, brain abnormalities, and intellectual disability.
- Newborns are typically not infectious unless the mother develops a rash near delivery.
- Maternal rash around delivery can lead to severe neonatal varicella with high mortality if untreated.
Implications:
- Pregnant women exposed to VZV require expert medical counseling regarding fetal risks.
- Immunization of women of childbearing age before pregnancy is essential for VZV prevention.
- Understanding VZV transmission risks guides appropriate management and isolation protocols for newborns.
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