Varicella-zoster virus infection in pregnancy

Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus infection (VVZ) is an important cause of morbidity, with global spread, which causes two distinct clinical forms of disease: varicella and shingles. Primary infection with VVZ during pregnancy can have important consequences for both maternal and fetal health. Epidemiological data shows that vaccination significantly reduced the number of VVZ infections in both mothers and fetuses. Vaccination strategies vary according to the individual at risk (maternal, fetal, newborn, child), the moment with the highest infection risk (first-trimester of pregnancy, last trimester of pregnancy or postnatal) and the duration of the protective immunity after vaccination. The most common complication of chickenpox during pregnancy is varicella pneumonia that is manifested through cough, dyspnea, fever and tachypnoea. The effects of VVZ on the fetus can be: congenital varicella syndrome, premature or spontaneous abortion, neonatal varicella. Congenital varicella was first described in 1947. Spontaneous abortion rates, premature births and intrau-terine death are not higher in pregnant mothers with chickenpox compared to those not infected. Neonatal infection results from the transmission of VVZ from mother to fetus during the perinatal period.