2. ETIOLOGIC AGENT
Caused by varicella zoster virus related to
Herpes simplex virus
Cytomagalo virus
Epstein bar virus (EBV)
Primary infection results in Varicella.
Recurrent infection results in herpes zoster
(shingles).
Source :
&
3. INCUBATION PERIOD
10- 21 days.
SPREAD OF DISEASE
&
INFECTIOUS PERIOD
One two days before the appearance of the
rash and lasts till all the lesions have
crusted (5-7 days).
7. CONVALECENCE
•Rashes lasts for 3-4 days.
•Formation of scabs.
•Superficial scars.
Complete clearance of skin may take
few days.
8. VARITIES OF CHECKEN POX
Varicella bulla: characterized by
formation of bullous eruptions.
Varicella ganrenosa: It is seen in ill-
nourished children and there are dark
crusts are formed in the eruptions which
on separation leave behind ulcers.
Varicella haemorrhagica: Uncommon
virulent form of varecella . Hemorrhages
occur into the vesicles and bleeding may
take place from the mucous membrane.
11. DIAGNOSIS
Classical appearance of rash.
Aspiration of vesicular fluid.
PCR tissue culture.
Serological examination for rising titers of
antibodies is only useful in primary
infection.
Staining of scrapings in with fluorescein
labeled monoclonal antibody.
12. TREATMENT
Use of antivirals
Indications:
For those patients for whom VZIG
is not indicated
Dose:
Oral acyclovir
40mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses
given from days 7 to 14 after
exposure
(Kumagai et al, 1999)
13. PROPHYLAXIS
Dosage and Timing of VZIG
(to be given within 10 days of exposure).
0 – 5 Years 250mg by
6 – 10 Years 500mg slow
11 – 14 Years 750mg intramuscular
15 years and older 1000mg injection
PASSIVE IMMUNISATION
LIVE ATTENUATED VARICELLA VACCINE (VARIVAX)
In a dose of 0.5 ml is administered in all children
above the age of 21 months for immunization.
A booster dose after 6 years of vaccination is given in
some children.
14. PROGNOSIS
A case of chicken pox has a self limiting
course and in an uncomplicated case
prognosis is good.