Virus Culture, Rapid, Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) w/ Reflex*

Aid in the diagnosis of disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (ie, chickenpox and shingles).

Varicella-zoster virus is a single virus that causes two diseases: chickenpox (varicella) in children and, after reactivation from latency, shingles (zoster) in adults. Disease caused by VZV is usually self-limited; however, the disease can be life-threatening in pregnant persons, immunocompromised persons, and children who receive cancer therapy. In addition, congenital chickenpox can result in neonatal systemic disease and/or congenital malformations. Serology for the detection of VZV antibodies is available. Rapid turnaround time of serological tests can be especially important in detecting the presence of antibody (prior exposure) in pregnant persons who have been exposed to persons with chickenpox because VZIG should be given within three days (maximum) of exposure. Cell culture of VZV often has been reported to be less sensitive than direct antigen detection of VZV by immunofluorescence.^1,2

1. Drew WL. Diagnostic virology. Clin Lab Med. 1987 Dec; 7(4):721-740 (review). PubMed 3319366

2. Gershon AA, Steinberg SP, Schmidt NJ. Varicella-Zoster virus. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 5th ed. Washington, DC: ASM Press; 1991:838-846.

Schauf V, Tolpin M. Varicella-Zoster virus. In: Belshe RB, ed. Textbook of Human Virology. Littleton, Mass: PGS Publishing Co;1984: 829-851.

Solomon AR. New diagnostic tests for herpes simplex and varicella zoster infections. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1988 Jan; 18(1 Pt 2):218-221. PubMed 2448353

Strommen GL, Pucino F, Tight RR, Beck CL. Human infection with herpes zoster: Etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical course, and treatment. Pharmacotherapy. 1988; 8(1):52-68 (review). PubMed 3287356