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. 2022 Jul-Sep;1(3):278-286.
doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0040. Epub 2022 Oct 7.

Congenital and Perinatal Varicella Infections

Srijan Singh  1 , Akash Sharma  2 , Mohammad Mozibur Rahman  3 , Gangajal Kasniya  4 , Akhil Maheshwari  5 , Suresh B Boppana  6
Affiliations

Congenital and Perinatal Varicella Infections

Srijan Singh et al. Newborn (Clarksville). 2022 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a human pathogen of the α-herpesvirus family. Some fetuses infected in utero around 8-20 weeks of pregnancy show signs of congenital varicella syndrome (CVS). Infants born to mothers who develop varicella within 5 days before and 2 days after delivery can experience severe disease with increased mortality. The best diagnostic modality is polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which can be done using vesicular swabs or scrapings, scabs from crusted lesions, tissue from biopsy samples, and cerebrospinal fluid. The prevention and management of varicella infections include vaccination, anti-VZV immunoglobulin, and specific antiviral drugs. In this article, we have reviewed the characteristics of VZV, clinical manifestations, management of perinatal infections, and short- and long-term prognosis.

Keywords: Congenital varicella syndrome; Herpes zoster; Neonatal varicella; Postexposure prophylaxis; Varicella zoster immunoglobulin; Varicella–zoster virus; Vesicular rash.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: None

Figures

Figs 1A and B:
Figs 1A and B:
Schematic diagrams showing (A) Surface and side dissection and (B) Cross-section of the varicella–zoster virus
Figs 2A to D:
Figs 2A to D:
Erythematous vesicular lesions in neonatal varicella (arrows). (A) Severe CVS with extensive skin lesions and multisystem disease. Lung involvement necessitated respiratory support; (B) Perinatal CVS. The infant had feeding difficulties; (C) and (D) Postnatal varicella with mild, limited cutaneous lesions
Flowchart 1:
Flowchart 1:
Schematic flowchart showing recommendations for clinical investigation and management of infants with varicella infections
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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