Herpes Zoster in an Immunocompetent Child without a History of Varicella
Bing-Shiau Shang1,2, Cheng-Jui Jamie Hung2, Ko-Huang Lue1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City 402, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Herpes zoster is a relatively rare infectious disease in the pediatric population, as compared with adults, which is due to the reactivation of latent Varicella-Zoster virus. We report a 7-year-old child without any history of varicella, who first experienced skin pain and later presented skin lesions in dermatomal distribution. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with herpes zoster. We aim to emphasize that herpes zoster could occur in immunocompetent children and may be due to the reactivation of the vaccine strain or previous subclinical infection.
Related Concept Videos
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
Vaccinations
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Sexually Transmitted Infections


