[A mini epidemic of varicella zoster virus reinfection at a department of hematology].
Whereas primary infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV) (chickenpox) and reactivation of VZV (shingles) are common and recognized, clinical reinfection with VZV is rare. A little epidemic of presumed reinfection with VZV in six immune-compromised adults is presented here. The epidemic lasted for three months, during which a healthy young woman also developed a primary VZV infection in the form of chickenpox. In the immune-compromised patients, the clinical picture was dominated by disseminated, prolonged and frequently haemorrhagic and necrotic eruptions which may cause diagnostic difficulties. Skin biopsy proved helpful in the diagnosis while demonstration of the VZV antigen in the skin elements was specific and sensitive. All of the patients, with one exception, were treated with acyclovir and dissemination of the infection to the inner organs did not occur. One patient may have died on account of the VZV infection. In conclusion, immune-incompetent patients must be warned against infection from chickenpox or disseminated herpes zoster. In cases of proved exposure, prophylactic treatment with acyclovir should be considered and, in cases of clinical disease, immediate treatment with 10 mg acyclovir per kg body weight should be administered intravenously thrice daily.
Junker
K
K
Avnstorp
C
C
Nielsen
C M
CM
Hansen
N E
NE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence
Miniepidemi af varicel zoster virus reinfektion på en haematologisk afdeling.