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Herpes Zoster-Varicella Infections in Immunosuppressed Patients
- RAPHAEL DOLIN, M. D., F.A.C.P.;
- RICHARD C. REICHMAN, M.D.;
- MARK H. MAZUR, M.D.; and
- RICHARD J. WHITLEY, M.D.
Abstract
Herpes zoster infections (localized and disseminated) are more frequent and severe in immunosuppressed patients. Dissemination of virus may occur to skin and to viscera but is associated primarily with increased morbidity rather than mortality. Involvement of the central nervous system can occur with localized or disseminated infection, including two clinically distinct forms of encephalitis. Studies of the pathogenesis of infections are hampered by the absence of a convenient animal model. However, circulating antibody to varicella-zoster virus can be measured with recently devised, sensitive serologic techniques. Controlled studies of adenine arabinoside in the treatment of herpes zoster in immunosuppressed patients have yielded promising results. Antiviral chemotherapy may represent a significant control measure for these infections in the future.
Article and Author Information
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▸An edited transcription of a Combined Clinical Staff Conference at the Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, 2 June 1977, by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
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▸Authors who wish to cite a section of this conference and specifically indicate its author can use this example for the form of reference:
REICHMAN RC: Neurologic complications of varicella-zoster infections, pp. 379-380 in DOLIN R (moderator): Herpes zoster-varicella infections in immunosuppressed patients. Ann Intern Med 89:375-388, 1978
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Raphael Dolin, M.D.; Head, Medical Virology Section, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Building 10, Room 11N214; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD 20014.
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- Received May 31, 1978.
- Accepted June 14, 1978.
