Reinfection with varicella-zoster virus in immunocompromised patients.
A small epidemic of varicella/atypical generalized zoster among 6 immunocompromised patients and one previously healthy person is described. The 6 immunocompromised patients suffered from lymphoproliferative diseases in terminal stages treated with chemotherapy and reported varicella in their childhood. They developed a generalized maculopapular rash with hemorrhagic bullae and necroses. The infection passed from one patient to another during a 3-month period in the department. They were placed in adjacent rooms and nursed by the same staff. The most specific diagnostic tool was the detection of varicella-zoster virus antigen from vesicles by ELISA technique. The epidemic was supposed to be caused by exogenous reinfection with varicella-zoster virus, and illustrated that generalized zoster may be even so infectious as varicella and that immunocompromised patients should be protected against reinfection.
Junker
K
K
Department of Haematology and Internal Medicine, Gentofte Hospital, Denmark.
Avnstorp
C
C
Nielsen
C M
CM
Hansen
N E
NE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000150:complications*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000150:complications*; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000150:complications; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications*; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors