Varicella infection following varicella vaccination in a liver transplant recipient.
Varicella infection may result in significant morbidity and mortality in patients who have received an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). It is unclear if vaccinating these patients against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection is safe or effective. We report on a liver transplant recipient with no prior history of VZV infection who was given the varicella vaccine after an indirect VZV exposure. The patient was subsequently hospitalized twice for treatment of cutaneous varicella infection. We will discuss VZV infection, particularly in relation to liver transplantation, and review the prophylaxis and management of VZV infection after OLT.
Levitsky
Josh
J
Center for Liver Diseases. Section of Gastroenterology, University of Chicago Hospitals, IL, USA.
Te
Helen S
HS
Faust
Thomas W
TW
Cohen
Stanley M
SM
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000494:pharmacology; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019433:Chickenpox Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D019433:Chickenpox Vaccine; D000212:Acyclovir