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Congenital Varicella-Zoster

A serologically proven case with necrotizing encephalitis and malformation

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Summary

Following maternal chicken pox in the 14th week of pregnancy, a male infant was born with low birth weight, muscle wasting and limb contractures, hypotonia and areflexia. A rising titre of varicella-zoster-specific IgM (by enzyme-linked immuno-absorbent assay) confirmed congenital infection, and electromyogram showed widespread denervation. Death occurred at 8 days. Neuropathological examination revealed destructive and inflammatory lesions of cerebral cortex and white matter, thalamus, brain stem and spinal cord. In addition there were cerebellar heterotopias and bilateral polymicrogyric malformations of the insular cortex.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Child Health, Department of Neuropathology, Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3JH, London, UK

    B. Harding

  2. Plymouth General Hospital, Plymouth, UK

    J. A. Baumer

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  1. B. Harding
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  2. J. A. Baumer
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Harding, B., Baumer, J.A. Congenital Varicella-Zoster. Acta Neuropathol 76, 311–315 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00687781

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00687781

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