Varicella-Zoster Virus Antigen - 1.0 mg

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Varicella zoster virus (VZV), a member of the Herpesviridae family also known as Human Herpesvirus Type 3 (HHV-3), is a highly contagious virus causing varicella (chickenpox) after primary infection. Transmission occurs via droplets and aerosols or contact with virus containing vesicles or scabs. Polymorphic exanthemas with a strong itch leading to papulation, vesicles and eschar are typical for this childhood disease. In healthy children, chickenpox is a usually harmless and self-limiting infection. However, lifelong latency in cranial nerve and dorsal root ganglia is usually established and reactivation as herpes zoster (shingles) may occur decades after primary infection. Primary infection of adults, especially of immunosuppressed patients, or newborns may be fatal and infection during gestation can lead to congenital varicella syndrome. Thus, VZV serological tests are commonly used for confirmation of acute infection, control of vaccination effectiveness and in some countries they are even routinely added to TORCH screening of pregnant women. Furthermore, VZV serology is an important diagnostic element in the context of transplantation, because immunocompromised patients have an increased risk for severe complications after infection or virus reactivation.

100 mM glycine buffer, pH 9.5