Varicella-zoster virus: Prevention through vaccination

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• The widespread adoption of the varicella vaccine has significantly altered chickenpox (varicella) epidemiology in the United States.
• Despite vaccination, varicella-zoster virus circulates, posing risks to non-immune pregnant women.
• Varicella infection during pregnancy can lead to severe maternal illness, including viral pneumonia, and adverse fetal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the continued risk of varicella in pregnant women despite widespread vaccination.
• To emphasize the potential for severe maternal and neonatal complications from varicella infection during pregnancy.
• To advocate for screening and vaccination of susceptible women of reproductive age.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of the epidemiology and clinical implications of varicella in pregnancy.
• It synthesizes current knowledge on the risks associated with maternal varicella infection.
• The focus is on preventive strategies for susceptible populations.

Main Results:

• Maternal varicella in early pregnancy can result in congenital varicella syndrome.
• Varicella in late pregnancy poses a risk of neonatal varicella.
• Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe varicella, including pneumonia.

Conclusions:

• Preventing varicella in pregnant women is essential to avoid significant morbidity and mortality.
• Screening and vaccinating women of reproductive age before pregnancy is the most effective preventive strategy.
• Continued vigilance and vaccination efforts are necessary to protect pregnant populations from varicella.