scholarly journals Varicella zoster virus in American Samoa: seroprevalence and predictive value of varicella disease history in elementary and college students

2013 ◽  
Vol 142 (5) ◽  
pp. 1002-1007 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. MAHAMUD ◽  
J. LEUNG ◽  
Y. MASUNU-FALEAFAGA ◽  
E. TESHALE ◽  
R. WILLIAMS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Elementary Students ◽  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
American Samoa ◽  
Varicella Vaccination ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
The Us ◽  
History Of

SUMMARYThe epidemiology of varicella is believed to differ between temperate and tropical countries. We conducted a varicella seroprevalence study in elementary and college students in the US territory of American Samoa before introduction of a routine varicella vaccination programme. Sera from 515 elementary and 208 college students were tested for the presence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG antibodies. VZV seroprevalence increased with age from 76·0% in the 4–6 years group to 97·7% in those aged ⩾23 years. Reported history of varicella disease for elementary students was significantly associated with VZV seropositivity. The positive and negative predictive values of varicella disease history were 93·4% and 36·4%, respectively, in elementary students and 97·6% and 3·0%, respectively, in college students. VZV seroprevalence in this Pacific island appears to be similar to that in temperate countries and suggests endemic VZV circulation.

scholarly journals Prevalence of IgG varicella zoster virus antibodies in the Kuikuro and Kaiabi indigenous communities in Xingu National Park, Brazil, before varicella vaccination

2005 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Mindlin Lafer ◽  
Maria Isabel de Moraes-Pinto ◽  
Lily Yin Weckx
Keyword(s):  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
National Park ◽  
Varicella Vaccine ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Varicella Vaccination ◽  
Varicella Infection ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
History Of

The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of IgG antibodies against varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the two most populated indigenous ethnic groups from Xingu Indigenous National Park, in Brazil, prior to the introduction of vaccination against the disease, and to determine the positive and the negative predictive values of a history of varicella infection. In 2001, 589 inhabitants of two Kuikuro villages and three Kaiabi villages were evaluated and provided information concerning previous varicella infection. An indirect immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect IgG anti-VZV antibodies was performed in 224 blood samples - volunteer selection had no interference of anamnesis. IgG prevalence was 80.8% (95% Confidence Interval: 76% - 86%). The seroepidemiology of varicella in Xingu National Park prior to varicella vaccine introduction was comparable to the Brazilian national seroprevalence described in the literature, and so were the positive (98%) and the negative predictive value (41%) of the referred history.

scholarly journals Intratracheal inoculation of human varicella zoster virus (VZV; MAV strain) vaccine successfully induced VZV IgG antibodies in rhesus monkeys

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong-Min Kim ◽  
Chung-Gyu Park
Keyword(s):  
Rhesus Monkey ◽  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
Humoral Immunity ◽  
Antibody Production ◽  
Rhesus Monkeys ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Simian Varicella Virus ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Varicella Virus ◽  
Strain Vaccine

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of live attenuated varicella zoster virus (VZV) MAV vaccination can efficiently induce VZV antibody production in naive rhesus monkeys as an approach to prevent simian varicella virus (SVV) reactivation in animals immunosuppressed for transplantation studies. Results Clinically available human VZV vaccine was used to induce the production of anti-VZV antibodies in rhesus monkeys. A vial of the vaccine was subcutaneously injected at 0 week, and the second and third vaccination was performed at 5 and 6 weeks by intratracheal inoculation. The titer of anti-VZV IgG was assessed at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 7 weeks. At 2 weeks, 3/16 were seropositive for VZV IgG. At 6 weeks, 9/16 were shown to be seropositive. At 7 weeks, 16/16 were found to be seropositive. Conclusions The VZV vaccine via intratrachael inoculation was shown to induce VZV IgG humoral immunity in rhesus monkeys and may be important immunosuppressed macaques for transplantation studies. Although the humoral immunity produced is an important finding, further studies will be necessary to confirm possible protection and it could protect probably against SVV infection in rhesus monkey.

Hospital Experience with Varicella-Zoster Virus

1986 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 312-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Krasinski ◽  
Robert S. Holzman ◽  
Rita LaCouture ◽  
Alfred Florman
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Serologic Testing ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
History Of

AbstractVaricella-zoster virus (VZV), one of the most common highly communicable agents of disease, stimulates aggressive infection control measures. In a 1-year period, at one hospital, at least 93 inpatients (82 adult patients, 11 pediatric patients) and 2 hospital staff with active varicella-zoster infections served as potential sources of nosocomial infection. Six incidents of exposure to the virus that occurred without the protection of standard infection control precautions were investigated by the infection control surveillance team. One hundred fifty-six patients and 353 hospital staff were exposed. Fifty-one patients had no history of varicella-zoster infection, but only five were susceptible by serologic testing. One hundred one staff members had no history of varicella-zoster, but only 11 were susceptible by serologic testing. These exposures resulted in three secondary varicella-zoster infections, six courses of varicella-zoster immune globulin prophylaxis and furlough of 13 staff members. Epidemiologic investigation consumed approximately 356 hours of staff time, and management of exposed persons cost approximately $41,500. Prospective knowledge of the immune status of health care workers would vastly decrease the time and effort required to control hospital VZV exposures.

Avoiding a lumbar puncture may be a rash decision: a case report of varicella-zoster virus-associated radiculopathy in advanced HIV infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 1031-1033
Author(s):  
Emma Wallis ◽  
Bahij Al-Hakim ◽  
Paul Holmes ◽  
Sam Douthwaite ◽  
Ranjababu Kulasegaram
Keyword(s):  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
Lumbar Puncture ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cd4 Cell Count ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Intravenous Acyclovir ◽  
History Of

A 34-year-old man recently diagnosed with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection (CD4 cell count of 139 cells/mm3), not yet started on antiretroviral medications, presented to hospital with a ten-day history of left leg weakness and difficulty walking. He described a childhood history of chickenpox with previous shingles over his buttock over three years ago. Examination revealed reduced power in the left hip and knee flexors and absent knee and adductor reflexes. Lumbar punctures were performed and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA. Concurrent serum samples for VZV PCR were negative. The patient was diagnosed with VZV radiculopathy and treated with high-dose intravenous acyclovir. Within two days, neurological signs improved. Previous case reports define VZV radiculopathy by a temporal and geographical relationship with a zoster rash. Our diagnosis was based on a clinical picture of radiculopathy with virological evidence in CSF and confirmed by a dramatic clinical response to treatment. We propose that lumbar puncture and detection of VZV DNA by PCR in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an invaluable investigation that should be considered in the workup of immunosuppressed patients presenting with a radiculopathy.

Controlling Varicella in the Healthcare Setting: Barriers to Varicella Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers

1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 516-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmooda Qureshi ◽  
Steven M. Gordon ◽  
Belinda Yen-Lieberman ◽  
David G. Litaker
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
Virus Vaccine ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
Varicella Vaccination ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Varicella Zoster Virus Vaccine

AbstractWe surveyed healthcare workers to determine factors that may influence acceptance of varicella-zoster virus vaccine. Of 2,801 workers tested, 90 were susceptible to varicella; of workers offered vaccination, 68% accepted. Workers providing direct patient care were 3.7-fold more likely than other workers to accept VZV vaccination (P=.04).

scholarly journals Painless Multidermatomal Herpes Zoster in an Immunocompetent Elderly Male: a Case Report

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 172-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shikhar Ganjoo ◽  
Mohinder Pal Singh Sawhney ◽  
Dikshak Chawla
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Zoster ◽  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Giant Cells ◽  
Elderly Male ◽  
Left Groin ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of ◽  
Serology Test

Abstract The varicella-zoster virus is the cause of both varicella and herpes zoster. The primary infection of varicella includes viremia and a widespread eruption, after which the virus persists in nerve ganglion cells, usually sensory. Herpes zoster is the result of reactivation of this residual latent virus. The first manifestation of zoster is usually pain, which may be severe and accompanied by fever, headache, malaise and tenderness localized to one or more nerve roots. The lymph nodes draining the affected area are enlarged and tender. Occasionally, the pain is not followed by eruption (zoster sine herpete). We hereby report an 85-year-old otherwise healthy male patient with a 3-day history of a non-painful rash on the left side of abdomen, pubic and penile regions, left groin and the left leg. He denied any pain and/or abnormal sensations before the rash onset. On examination, there were closely grouped multiple vesicles over the anterior left abdominal wall, left groin, thigh, knee and left upper quarter of penis, involving the left T12, L1-L4 and S2 dermatomes. The patient reported no pain, fever, rigor or any other symptoms; he had no associated cervical, axillary or inguinal lymphadenopathy. He denied any abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, any weakness or sensory changes in the limbs. There was no history of penile numbness, urinary retention, and increased frequency of micturition or constipation. The varicella-zoster virus serology test performed by Calbiotech VZV IgG ELISA Kit (Calbiotech, Spring Valley, Canada) was strongly positive. The human immunodeficiency virus serology test, as well as herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 serology tests performed by ELISA were all negative. The Tzanck smear, stained with Giemsa, demonstrated multinucleated giant cells. The patient responded well to valacyclovir with complete clearance of lesions within one week. An extensive PubMed search revealed only few reports of painless herpes zoster. We present a rather peculiar case of painless herpes zoster in an elderly patient with no apparent systemic immunosuppression, with severe involvement affecting multiple adjacent and one remote dermatome. We hereby propose the term ”herpes zoster sine algesia” in cases where eruption is not followed by pain.

Screening Healthcare Workers for Varicella-Zoster Virus: Can We Trust the History?

2004 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 595-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maha Almuneef ◽  
Ziad A. Memish ◽  
Mostafa F. Abbas ◽  
Hanan H. Balkhy
Keyword(s):  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
New Employees ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
History Of ◽  
Serologic Screening ◽  
New Recruits

AbstractObjective:To determine the relationship between immunity and a history of chickenpox based on a self-administered questionnaire.Methods:We investigated immunity to varicella-zoster virus in a cohort of newly recruited employees with different job categories and different nationalities using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IgG.Results:There were 1,058 new recruits. Of these, 890 (84%) were immune and 168 (16%) were susceptible. The susceptibility rate was 23% (n = 77) for Asian, 15% (n = 14) for South African, 13% (n = 66) for Middle Eastern, and 9% (n = 11) for Western employees. Physicians were more likely to be immune (93%) than were nurses (85%), medical technicians (75%), or administrative clerks (84%). Seropositivity was not affected by age or gender. The positive predictive value of a history of chickenpox for the seropositivity was 89% (511 of 574); the negative predictive value was 22% (105 of 484). History of chickenpox had a sensitivity of 57% (511 of 890) and a specificity of 63% (105 of 168).Conclusions:The varicella-zoster virus seroprevalence among new employees was low, posing an important risk to existing employees and patients. Positive or negative history of chickenpox was an unreliable indicator of susceptibility among healthcare workers of different nationalities. Serologic screening of all employees and vaccination of those susceptible was recommended.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Multiplex Bead Immunoassay for Determination of Immune Status to Varicella-Zoster Virus in Medical Center Students and Employees

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Loeffelholz ◽  
Harry E. Prince
Keyword(s):  
Varicella Zoster Virus ◽  
Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Multiplex Bead ◽  
Bead Immunoassay

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated an enzyme immunoassay, a multiplex bead immunoassay (MBIA), and the anticomplement immunofluorescence (ACIF) test for detecting varicella-zoster virus IgG antibodies in sera from medical center students and employees. The agreement between methods was ≥95%. The MBIA was less sensitive than was the ACIF test, with a negative predictive value of 66.7%.

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