Laboratory diagnosis and characteristics of breakthrough varicella in children

Abstract

The atypical features of varicella in vaccinated persons (breakthrough varicella [BTV]) present diagnostic challenges. We examined varicella-zoster virus (VZV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG serologic test results for confirming BTV cases. Among 33 vaccinated children with varicellalike rash, we identified wild-type VZV in 58% overall and in 76% of those with adequate tissue specimens; no vaccine-type virus was found. Of the 12 subjects with PCR-confirmed BTV and acute-phase serum samples, 9 had detectable IgM, and all had highly elevated acute-phase IgG titers. Six subjects with negative PCR results had lower IgG titers and negative IgM results. Although PCR is the preferred method for laboratory confirmation of BTV, a positive serum varicella IgM test result should also be considered to be diagnostic in a suspected BTV case; however, a negative IgM test result cannot be used to rule out the diagnosis. The value of highly elevated IgG titers needs further evaluation. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results. © 2008 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.