[Asymptomatic varicella infections in pregnancy: detection and problems]

Two cases of asymptomatic varicella infection during pregnancy will be presented. The diagnosis was made by the evidence of varicella-zoster-virus (VZV)-specific IgM or by the significant increase in antibody titer. The incidence of such subclinical VZV infections must be the issue of further investigations. Because of the rare occurrence of an embryopathy no general screening is usually made. On the other hand serological testing is recommended in cases of VZV infection in the surroundings of a pregnant woman. The problem of false-positive enzyme immunoassays make it necessary to confirm the results with one, or better two, additional methods.