Varicella Zoster AB IgG

1. Specimens are stable 3 days at 15-30°C.


2. Specimens are stable 7 days at 2-8°C; otherwise aliquoted samples may be stored frozen (-20°C or below).


3. If samples are stored frozen, mix thawed samples well before testing. Samples may be frozen-thawed 5 times. Self-defrosting freezers are not recommended for sample storage.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a Herpesviridae, is a neurotropic human-restricted alpha-herpes virus of the Varicella genus, of which the principal characteristic is the capacity for latency. VZV is the causative agent of varicella (chicken pox), and herpes zoster (shingles). Varicella is the manifestation of a primary VZV infection in patients without prior exposure, usually in childhood. It is a highly contagious viral disease with worldwide distribution, seasonal prevalence in winter and spring, and characterized by generalized vesicular exanthema often accompanied by fever. While mostly a mild disease in childhood, varicella tends to be more severe in adults and may be fatal, especially in neonates and in immunocompromised individuals.  Following primary infection, the virus, which shows little genetic variation (only one serotype known) remains latent in neural ganglia. Upon subsequent reactivation VZV may cause herpes zoster (shingles), a disease mainly affecting the elderly and immunocompromised persons, that consists painful, circumscribed eruption of vesicular lesions with inflammation of associated dorsal root or cranial nerve sensory ganglia. IgM antibodies to varicella-zoster virus may be detected during primary and reactivated infection.

Evaluation of specific immune status for VZV may guide management of immunosuppressed patients and administration of antiviral agents. Varicella infection occurring in susceptible pregnant women can lead to severe, and even fatal, disease of the newborns. Infection occurring in the first four months of pregnancy can lead to child deformity, while infection at the time of delivery may cause life-threatening infection in newborns. Although individual cases may be prevented or modified by VZV immunoglobulin administration or treated with antiviral drugs, varicella can be controlled only by vaccination.