Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
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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

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Low complication rate in immunocompromised children with varicella-zoster virus infections in a single centre

Oded Shamriz1, Roni Ben-Ami2, Diana Averbuch3

  • 1Clinical Immunology and Allergy Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Centre, Jerusalem, Israel.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|December 1, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections in immunocompromised children show low complication rates. Fever and delayed treatment were linked to higher complication risks, suggesting further multicenter studies are warranted.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Immunocompromised Hosts
  • Virology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections.
  • This study addresses the scarcity of recent research in this vulnerable pediatric population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the clinical experience and outcomes of immunocompromised children with VZV infections.
  • To identify factors associated with complications in this patient group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records from 2008-2016 at a single center.
  • Inclusion of 74 immunocompromised children diagnosed with VZV infections.
  • Extraction of data on demographics, treatment, and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A low complication rate (28%) was observed among the 74 patients.
  • The vast majority (99%) experienced a favorable outcome with complete recovery; no deaths occurred.
  • Fever and delayed treatment initiation were significantly associated with increased complication rates (P < .05).

Conclusions:

  • VZV infections in immunocompromised children admitted to this center had a low complication rate.
  • Further large-scale, multicenter studies are recommended to evaluate management strategies, particularly oral acyclovir for low-risk patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
chickenpoxherpes zosterimmunocompromisedoutcomevaricella-zoster virus

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