Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 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

IVIG treatment for VZV-related acute inflammatory polyneuropathy in a child

Danilo Buonsenso1, Benedetta Focarelli, Piero Valentini

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.

BMJ Case Reports
|July 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A rare autoimmune complication following chickenpox caused acute paraplegia in a teen. Prompt treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins led to a full recovery, highlighting effective management of post-infectious neurological issues.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute inflammatory polyneuropathy is an autoimmune demyelinating disease.
  • It often follows infections or immunizations after a latent period.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old boy presented with rapid paraplegia and urinary incontinence post-chickenpox.
  • Spinal MRI revealed thickened, enhancing cauda equina nerve roots.

Findings:

  • Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy resulted in significant clinical and radiological improvement.
  • The patient recovered fully within one month.

Implications:

  • This case underscores varicella-zoster virus's potential for severe neurological complications.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment with immunoglobulins are crucial for favorable outcomes in acute post-infectious encephalomyelitis/radiculitis.

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