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Varicella: historical perspective and clinical overview
1Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Varicella (chickenpox) is typically mild in children but poses risks to infants, adolescents, and adults. Vaccination is recommended to prevent severe disease and protect vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) is generally benign in immunocompetent children in Europe and the US.
- Infants born to mothers with varicella during pregnancy are at high risk.
- The disease is more severe in adolescents and adults, often leading to fatal pneumonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the risks associated with varicella infection in specific populations.
- To underscore the significance of varicella-zoster virus latency and reactivation.
- To advocate for a varicella vaccination program.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing medical literature on varicella epidemiology and clinical presentation.
- Analysis of risk factors for severe varicella and complications.
- Discussion of viral latency and reactivation mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Varicella severity varies by age and immune status.
- Immunosuppression increases the risk of lethal varicella at any age.
- Varicella-zoster virus latency and reactivation are linked to waning cellular immunity with age.
Conclusions:
- Varicella poses significant risks beyond childhood, particularly for infants, adolescents, adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
- The aging population and immigration of nonimmune adults increase the public health burden of varicella and zoster.
- A vaccination program is essential for controlling varicella and preventing severe outcomes.