Prevention of varicella zoster (VZ) with poly(I) . poly(C) given during the incubation period

Poly I . Poly C (Poly I:C) was administered to six children with cancer who were exposed to varicella zoster (VZ) and who were under active treatment to determine if this agent could prevent the development of overt varicella zoster (chickenpox). Poly I:C was administered as a single injection during the incubation period, but beyond 72 hours, since zoster immunoglobulin (ZIG) is a proven effective agent in the first 72 hours. None of these patients had a prior history of VZ and neither ZIG nor any other known antiviral agent was administered to these patients. None of the children developed chickenpox. This appears significant but awaits confirmation in a larger control study.