Herpes zoster and meningitis resulting from reactivation of varicella vaccine virus in an immunocompetent child

Ann Emerg Med. 2009 Jun;53(6):792-5. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2008.10.023. Epub 2008 Nov 22.

Abstract

Herpes zoster complicated by meningitis has been mainly reported in immunocompromised patients after reactivation of wild-type varicella-zoster virus. We present one of the first cases of aseptic meningitis after herpes zoster caused by reactivation of vaccine-type varicella-zoster virus in an immunocompetent child. We also highlight the increasing role of both wild-type and vaccine strains of varicella-zoster virus as a cause of viral meningoencephalitis and the use of appropriate laboratory tools to rapidly and accurately identify the virus in order to provide prompt patient care and management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chickenpox Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Herpes Zoster / complications
  • Herpes Zoster / drug therapy
  • Herpes Zoster / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence*
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Viral / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Viral / immunology*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Chickenpox Vaccine
  • Acyclovir