Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
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
[Fulminant pneumonia during varicella in an immunocompetent 16-month-old girl]
K-V Asse1, H Rekik, J-C Ropert
1Service de pédiatrie-néonatologie, centre hospitalier Courbevoie-Neuilly-Puteaux, 36, boulevard du Général-Leclerc, BP 79, 92205 Neuilly-sur-Seine cedex, France. assevinc@yahoo.fr
Insights
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox, a common illness. While rare in healthy children, severe pneumonia can be fatal, highlighting the importance of VZV immunization.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Varicella, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a widespread infectious disease presenting with rash and fever.
- Management focuses on symptom relief and preventing secondary bacterial infections.
- Severe VZV complications and mortality are documented in specific populations, including pregnant women, newborns, adults, and immunocompromised children.
Observation:
- Pneumonia is a common complication in immunocompetent adults with varicella but is considered rare in children.
- This report details a fatal case of VZV-induced pneumonia with severe hypoxemia in a 16-month-old immunocompetent child.
Findings:
- The case underscores that severe VZV pneumonia can occur even in immunocompetent children, challenging the notion of its rarity.
- A literature review supports the discussion on VZV diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Implications:
- Active immunization against VZV for children over 12 months is crucial for primary prevention.
- Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for VZV pneumonia in children, regardless of immune status.
Abstract:
Varicella is a cosmopolitan communicable disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) characterized by papulovesicular rash and fever. Management of fever and pruritus and prevention of bacterial infection are the main aspects of treatment. Severe complications and death may occur in pregnancy, in newborns, in adults, and in immunocompromised children. Contrary to immunocompetent adults in whom pneumonia occurs in 50% of cases during varicella, this complication in children is rare. We report a fatal case of pneumonia with severe hypoxemia during varicella in an immunocompetent 16-month-old child. Based on a literature review, we discuss the main aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of varicella. Active immunization of children after 12 months of age is the primary prevention of varicella.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology