Varicella-zoster virus acquired at 4 months of age reactivates at 24 months and causes encephalitis.

Chiappini, Elena; Calabri, Giuseppe; Galli, Luisa; Salvi, Giuseppe; de Martino, Maurizio · J Pediatr · 2002

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation in the brain caused encephalitis in a 2-year-old immunocompetent child who had chickenpox 20 months before. Radiologic findings were consistent with large to medium-vessel-vasculitis. VZV-DNA was detected in cerebrospinal fluid. Early acquisition of VZV may predispose to major neurologic complications that can occur years after the primary infection.

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