Varicella zoster virus - direct diagnosis - PCR - amniotic fluid

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Eurofins Biomnis code

VZVLA

Synonyms
  • HHV-3 (human herpesvirus 3)
  • varicella-zoster virus
  • VZV
Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

Chickenpox, a primary infection with VZV, occurs in 90% of cases in childhood. This highly contagious, itchy, vesicular rash is a benign condition in immunocompetent children. It can be serious, affecting the central nervous system, lungs or liver, at extreme ages, in pregnant women, foetuses (congenital chickenpox), newborns (neonatal chickenpox) and immunocompromised individuals. VZV then remains latent throughout life in the sensory ganglia. It can reactivate in the form of zoster. It occurs mainly in patients aged over 50 or in immunocompromised individuals. The rash is confined to the innervated dermatome where the virus has reactivated. Zoster can also be complicated by pulmonary, neurological, ocular and hepatic disorders. Benign forms of chickenpox and zoster are diagnosed clinically. PCR testing for the VZV genome is recommended for atypical skin, facial (zoster), ocular and visceral disease. The sample taken depends on the clinical condition: CSF sample for neurological forms, BAL for pulmonary involvement, corneal swab for keratoconjunctivitis, ocular humor for uveitis or retinitis, blood sample for dissemination. In case of suspected congenital varicella, PCR can be performed on amniotic fluid. The risk of maternal-foetal transmission is present in the first 20 weeks of amenorrhoea. In newborns, samples of vesicles and CSF if neurological damage is present are recommended. Serology is no longer recommended for diagnosing acute infection; it can only be used to check immune status by testing for anti-VZV IgG in the absence of any previous history of chickenpox: before starting immunosuppressive therapy, in women of childbearing age, healthcare workers and pregnant women who have been in contact with the virus.

Preanalytics
  • A tube specifically for this analysis : No
Further information

Attach the patient's informed consent (D44 consent_Post-Prenatal)
The use of the S14UK transport bag is Mandatory.
Use the specific form B3-INTGB: Cytogenetic

Documents to download
Methodology

Real-time PCR

Turnaround time

4 days

Testing Laboratory

Contact(s)
Customer Care