Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
[Varicella-zoster virus infection in a child complicated with bacterial pneumonia]
Benjamin Ole Wolthers1, Ebbe Thiested, Anette F Gyhrs
1Børneafdelingen, Holbæk Sygehus, Smedelundsgade 40, 4400 Holbæk. benjaminowolthers@gmail.com.
Insights
A pediatric case report highlights a severe bacterial pneumonia complication in a three-year-old girl with varicella-zoster virus. Prompt intervention with a lung drain led to recovery, questioning the role of varicella-zoster virus vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections can lead to serious complications.
- Bacterial pneumonia is a recognized, though less common, sequela of VZV infection.
- Atelectasis can result from severe pneumonia, impairing lung function.
Observation:
- A three-year-old girl presented with VZV infection and severe bacterial pneumonia.
- The patient initially did not respond to intravenous antibiotic therapy.
- Atelectasis was present, indicating significant lung compromise.
Findings:
- Insertion of a lung drain was crucial for the patient's recovery.
- This case underscores the potential severity of bacterial pneumonia secondary to VZV.
- The patient's response to drainage suggests a significant obstructive or exudative component to the pneumonia.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering bacterial pneumonia in VZV cases, especially with respiratory distress.
- Suggests that prompt drainage may be necessary for managing severe VZV-associated pneumonia with atelectasis.
- Raises awareness and prompts discussion regarding the potential benefits of VZV vaccination in preventing such severe complications.
Abstract:
This case report describes how a three-year-old girl referred to our paediatric ward, infected with varicella-zoster virus and a bacterial pneumonia causing atelectasis. The girl did not respond to initial treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Only after a lung drain was inserted she gradually recovered. We briefly describe the incidence of bacterial pneumonia as a complication to varicella-zoster virus and raise the question whether to vaccinate against varicella-zoster virus.
More Related Videos
12:21A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness
Published on: September 28, 2022
08:04Development 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
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia 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...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Pneumonia 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....
Pneumonia 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: