Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection In Children And Adolescents

Varicella-zoster virus is responsible for causing a primary varicella infection (chickenpox) and a secondary herpes zoster infection (shingles). Although varicella typically manifests as a mild disease in otherwise healthy children, it can also manifest as a moderate-to-severe disease, most notably in immunocompromised and adult hosts. Acyclovir is the antiviral agent of choice for the management of varicella infections. However, in acyclovirresistant varicella infections, foscarnet is the recommended antiviral agent for use. Routine vaccination with Varivax has been very effective in reducing chickenpox incidence in the United States; it confers immunity and also reduces clinical manifestation of the illness.