JOURNAL ARTICLE
RESEARCH SUPPORT, NON-U.S. GOV'T
RESEARCH SUPPORT, U.S. GOV'T, P.H.S.
REVIEW
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Varicella-zoster virus infections in the immunocompromised host. Natural history and treatment.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes significant morbidity and even mortality in immunocompromised patients. Varicella has more serious consequences than herpes zoster, although zoster is more common. This paper reviews the natural history of varicella-zoster infections, as well as strategies for prevention and treatment. Although initial studies supported the use of either vidarabine or acyclovir for treatment of varicella in immunocompromised children, subsequent data have shown acyclovir to be superior for this purpose. Recent data in bone marrow transplant patients indicated that acyclovir was also more effective in preventing progression of herpes zoster in the immunocompromised host. The question of using steroids to prevent postherpetic neuralgia remains controversial. With the advent of effective antiviral chemotherapy, treatment of VZV infections in the immunocompromised host has become a reality. The potential problem of acyclovir-resistant VZV strains justifies continued development of other anti-VZV agents. Several new compounds are presently in or slated for clinical trials.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app