Disseminated varicella with multiorgan failure in an immunocompetent adult

Mutations in Coding and Non-Coding Regions in Varicella-Zoster Virus Causing Fatal Hemorrhagic Fever Without Rash in an Immunocompetent Patient: Case Report

INTRODUCTION

We report the case of a fatal hemorrhagic varicella primary infection in an immunocompetent man and whole-genome characterization of the virus for the investigation of biomarkers of virulence.

CASE

A 38-year-old patient born in Nigeria presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and subsequently developed fatal hemorrhagic disease without skin rash. Extensive laboratory tests including serology and PCR for arenaviruses, bunyaviruses and ebolaviruses were negative. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) PCR of sera, liver and spleen tissue samples from autopsy revealed the presence of VZV DNA. Primary infection by varicella-zoster virus with hemorrhagic manifestations was diagnosed after virological testing. The VZV genome was sequenced using a mWGS approach. Bioinformatic analysis showed 53 mutations across the genome, 33 of them producing non-synonymous variants affecting up to 14 genes. Some of them, such as ORF11 and ORF 62, encoded for essential functions related to skin or neurotropism. To our knowledge, the mutations reported here have never been described in a VZV causing such a devastating outcome.

DISCUSSION

In immunocompetent patients, viral factors should be considered in patients with uncommon symptoms or severe diseases. Some relevant mutations revealed by using whole genome sequencing (WGS) directly from clinical samples may be involved in this case and deserves further investigation.

CONCLUSION

Differential diagnosis of varicella-zoster virus in immunocompetent adults should be considered among patients with suspected VHF, even if the expected vesicular rash is not present at admission and does not arise thereafter. Whole genome sequencing of strains causing uncommon symptoms and/or mortality is needed for epidemiological surveillance and further characterization of putative markers of virulence. Additionally, this report highlights the recommendation for a VZV vaccination policy in non-immunized migrants from developing countries.

Pneumonia and Meningoencephalitis Due to Varicella-zoster Virus Reinfection and Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

A 72-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis was treated with methotrexate (MTX) and iguratimod. Upon examination of a liver tumor, blisters due to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection were observed. Despite oral administration of valacyclovir, she developed varicella pneumonia and meningoencephalitis. A VZV antibody test revealed reinfection. The liver tumor shrank after discontinuance of MTX, and polymerase chain reaction revealed the reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Therefore, we were unable to deny MTX-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD). This is the first case of a complication of pneumonia and meningoencephalitis due to VZV reinfection and EBV reactivation.

Disseminated Zoster Involving the Whole Body in an Immunocompetent Patient Complaining of Left Leg Radiating Pain and Weakness: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction

Disseminated herpes zoster is defined as at least 20 skin lesions in multiple dermatomes. In particular, it has been reported mainly in patients with immunological defects. To our knowledge, there is no reported case of disseminated zoster in a non-immunocompromised patient with leg radiating pain and weakness.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old man visited our hospital with left leg radiating pain and left hip pain. He had no underlying disease other than hypertension. Neurologic examination revealed radiating pain on the L4 dermatome of the left leg. The muscle power was grade 3 for the hip flexor and knee extensor, and grade 4 for the ankle dorsiflexor and big toe dorsiflexor of the left leg. There were no sensory changes or skin lesions on his left leg. Herniation of the nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine was suspected and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. However, no pathologic lesions were seen on lumbar MRI. On the third day of hospitalization, erythematous patches and vesicles were observed on the head, face, ear, neck, trunk, back, and both lower extremities. Herpes zoster infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Treatment was performed with 250 mg of intravenous acyclovir every 8 hours for 6 days and 62.5 mg of intravenous methylprednisolone for 4 days. On the 13th day of hospitalization, the skin lesions and left leg radiating pain and weakness improved.

Conclusion

We report the first case of disseminated herpes zoster involving the whole body in a non-immunocompromised patient complaining of left leg radiating pain and weakness. After treatment, both the patient's radiating pain and weakness improved.

Advances and Perspectives in the Management of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infections

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a common and ubiquitous human-restricted pathogen, causes a primary infection (varicella or chickenpox) followed by establishment of latency in sensory ganglia. The virus can reactivate, causing herpes zoster (HZ, shingles) and leading to significant morbidity but rarely mortality, although in immunocompromised hosts, VZV can cause severe disseminated and occasionally fatal disease. We discuss VZV diseases and the decrease in their incidence due to the introduction of live-attenuated vaccines to prevent varicella or HZ. We also focus on acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir (FDA approved drugs to treat VZV infections), brivudine (used in some European countries) and amenamevir (a helicase-primase inhibitor, approved in Japan) that augur the beginning of a new era of anti-VZV therapy. Valnivudine hydrochloride (FV-100) and valomaciclovir stearate (in advanced stage of development) and several new molecules potentially good as anti-VZV candidates described during the last year are examined. We reflect on the role of antiviral agents in the treatment of VZV-associated diseases, as a large percentage of the at-risk population is not immunized, and on the limitations of currently FDA-approved anti-VZV drugs. Their low efficacy in controlling HZ pain and post-herpetic neuralgia development, and the need of multiple dosing regimens requiring daily dose adaptation for patients with renal failure urges the development of novel anti-VZV drugs.

An Association of Varicella Zoster Virus, Facial Palsy, and Meningitis in a Young Immunocompetent Male

Varicella zoster is a secondary infection caused by the virus of chickenpox, after becoming latent in neurons of dorsal root ganglia or trigeminal ganglia. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can be reactivated years later to produce shingles (zoster), generally in immunocompromised adults to produce neurological deficits and rash. Meningeal involvement of VZV is also reported and can be diagnosed. Herein, we report a 39-year-old immunocompetent male adult with a rare manifestation caused by VZV. The report is an association between facial nerve palsy and a polymerase chain reaction-confirmed VZV meningitis, even without the dermal typical rash. The patient eventually recovered after receiving acyclovir intravenously.

Fatal hemorrhagic varicella in a patient with abdominal pain: a case report

Background

Varicella is normally a self-limited childhood disease caused by varicella-zoster virus infection. However, it sometimes causes severe diseases, especially in immunocompromised individuals. We report a case of severe varicella in a young woman.

Case presentation

A 19-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and a rash after taking methylprednisolone for 2 weeks for systemic lupus erythematosis. The laboratory data showed leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, an elevated level of the liver transaminases and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed multiple air-fluid levels in the intestines. Hemorrhagic varicella was considered and antiviral therapy as well as immunoglobin were applied. Her condition deteriorated and she eventually died due to multi-organ failure and refractory shock. Next-generation sequencing performed on fluid from an unroofed vesicle confirmed the diagnosis of varicella.

Conclusion

In its severe form, VZV infection can be fatal, especially in immunocompromised patients. Hemorrhagic varicella can be misdiagnosed by clinicians because of unfamiliar with the disease, although it is associated with a high mortality rate. In patients with suspected hemorrhagic varicella infection, antiviral therapies along with supportive treatment need to be initiated as soon as possible in order to minimize the case fatality rate.

Varicella Zoster Virus Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Patient

The varicella zoster virus is highly infectious, spreading via direct contact or respiratory droplets, and can lead to life-threatening complications. Although disseminated disease tends to occur most commonly in immunocompromised patients, we present a peculiar case of varicella zoster esophagitis in a healthy, immunocompetent adult. To provide prompt treatment, clinicians should be aware that the varicella zoster virus could cause severe esophagitis, even in immunocompetent patients.

Disseminated herpes zoster causing acute respiratory distress syndrome in an immunocompetent patient

Disseminated cutaneous varicella herpes zoster with visceral involvement is rare and seen almost exclusively in immunocompromised patients. We describe an unusual case of fulminant herpes zoster (HZ) in a healthy, immunocompetent 37-year-old woman. She initially presented to an urgent care centre with a classic HZ rash localised to her neck, and upper respiratory symptoms and was treated with prednisone and cephalexin. Within 1 week, the rash became diffuse and her clinical status rapidly deteriorated with development of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Varicella zoster infection was confirmed via skin biopsy, bronchial viral PCR and serology for varicella antibodies. She was successfully treated with intravenous acyclovir and aggressive supportive care. Though physicians readily recognise typical zoster infection, this case reminds clinicians that HZ infection can be fulminant and potentially life-threatening in younger, immunocompetent individuals. Early recognition and antiviral therapy is important to reduce morbidity and mortality.

No Room for Error: Empiric Treatment for Fulminant Pneumonia

Early antibiotic administration is critical in cases of sepsis and severe community-acquired pneumonia, which is frequently due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Legionella species, or influenza. We describe the case of a 29-year-old previously healthy man who presented to an urban emergency department (ED) in the North Central U.S. with fever, hip pain, severe hypoxemia, and diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. He was intubated and received piperacillin/tazobactam, levofloxacin, vancomycin, and oseltamivir; given his fulminant presentation and predicted high mortality, doxycycline, methylprednisolone, and amphotericin B were also administered empirically in the ED. A respiratory culture eventually grew Blastomyces dermatitidis, and the patient survived. Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to fulminant pneumonitis carries a high mortality. Faced with this scenario and no room for error, it is important that the emergency physician cover for all possible pathogens, including zoonotic bacteria and endemic fungi.

Successful rescue of disseminated varicella infection with multiple organ failure in a pediatric living donor liver transplant recipient: a case report and literature review

A 12-year-old female patient with biliary atresia underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Twelve months after the LDLT, she developed acute hepatitis (alanine aminotransferase 584 IU/L) and was diagnosed with disseminated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection with high level of serum VZV-DNA (1.5 × 10⁵ copies/mL) and generalized vesicular rash. She had received the VZV vaccination when she was 5-years-old and had not been exposed to chicken pox before the LDLT, and her serum was positive for VZV immunoglobulin G at the time of the LDLT. Although she underwent treatment with intravenous acyclovir, intravenous immunoglobulin, and withdrawal of immunosuppressants, her symptoms worsened and were accompanied by disseminated intravascular coagulation, pneumonia, and encephalitis. These complications required treatment in the intensive care unit for 16 days. Five weeks later, her clinical findings improved, although her VZV-DNA levels remained high (8.5 × 10³copies/mL). Oral acyclovir was added for 2 weeks, and she was eventually discharged from our hospital on day 86 after admission; she has not experienced a recurrence. In conclusion, although disseminated VZV infection with multiple organ failure after pediatric LDLT is a life-threatening disease, it can be cured via an early diagnosis and intensive treatment.

Advances in the treatment of varicella-zoster virus infections

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes two distinct diseases, varicella (chickenpox) and shingles (herpes zoster). Chickenpox occurs subsequent to primary infection, while herpes zoster (usually associated with aging and immunosuppression) appears as a consequence of reactivation of latent virus. The major complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia. Vaccination strategies to prevent varicella or shingles and the current status of antivirals against VZV will be discussed in this chapter. Varivax®, a live-attenuated vaccine, is available for pediatric varicella. Zostavax® is used to boost VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity in adults older than 50 years, which results in a decrease in the burden of herpes zoster and pain related to postherpetic neuralgia. Regardless of the availability of a vaccine, new antiviral agents are necessary for treatment of VZV infections. Current drugs approved for therapy of VZV infections include nucleoside analogues that target the viral DNA polymerase and depend on the viral thymidine kinase for their activation. Novel anti-VZV drugs have recently been evaluated in clinical trials, including the bicyclic nucleoside analogue FV-100, the helicase-primase inhibitor ASP2151, and valomaciclovir (prodrug of the acyclic guanosine derivative H2G). Different candidate VZV drugs have been described in recent years. New anti-VZV drugs should be as safe as and more effective than current gold standards for the treatment of VZV, that is, acyclovir and its prodrug valacyclovir.

Varicella zoster virus meningoencephalitis accompanied by rhabdomyolysis without skin eruption

We report a case of a 38-year-old man with a Varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation who manifested meningoencephalitis accompanied by rhabdomyolysis without a skin eruption. During the acute phase, VZV DNA was detected in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After 16 days, all symptoms and signs resolved, and follow-up PCR studies revealed negative conversion of VZV in the serum and CSF. We discuss the possible underlying mechanism of VZV reactivation in our patient. This is the first case report of VZV reactivation meningoencephalitis accompanied by rhabdomyolysis without skin eruption demonstrated by viral DNA in the serum and CSF.

Emerging drugs for varicella-zoster virus infections

INTRODUCTION

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the etiological agent of two distinct diseases, varicella (chickenpox) and shingles (herpes zoster). Chickenpox occurs following primary infection, while herpes zoster (usually associated with ageing and immunosuppression) is the consequence of reactivation of the latent virus. Post-herpetic neuralgia is the major complication of shingles.

AREAS COVERED

This review will discuss vaccination strategies and the current status of antivirals against VZV. A live attenuated vaccine, Varivax, is available for pediatric varicella while Zostavax was developed to boost VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity in adults older than 60 years and, via this mechanism, to decrease the burden of herpes zoster and pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia. Despite the availability of a vaccine, there is a need for new antiviral agents. Current drugs approved for the treatment of VZV infections include nucleoside analogs that target the viral DNA polymerase and depend on the viral thymidine kinase. Novel anti-VZV drugs have recently been evaluated in clinical trials, including the bicyclic nucleoside analog FV-100, the helicase-primase inhibitor ASP2151 and valomaciclovir (prodrug of the acyclic guanosine derivative H2G).

EXPERT OPINION

New anti-VZV drugs should be as safe as and more effective than acyclovir and its prodrug valacyclovir (current gold standard for the treatment of VZV).

Simian varicella virus infection of rhesus macaques recapitulates essential features of varicella zoster virus infection in humans

Simian varicella virus (SVV), the etiologic agent of naturally occurring varicella in primates, is genetically and antigenically closely related to human varicella zoster virus (VZV). Early attempts to develop a model of VZV pathogenesis and latency in nonhuman primates (NHP) resulted in persistent infection. More recent models successfully produced latency; however, only a minority of monkeys became viremic and seroconverted. Thus, previous NHP models were not ideally suited to analyze the immune response to SVV during acute infection and the transition to latency. Here, we show for the first time that intrabronchial inoculation of rhesus macaques with SVV closely mimics naturally occurring varicella (chickenpox) in humans. Infected monkeys developed varicella and viremia that resolved 21 days after infection. Months later, viral DNA was detected only in ganglia and not in non-ganglionic tissues. Like VZV latency in human ganglia, transcripts corresponding to SVV ORFs 21, 62, 63 and 66, but not ORF 40, were detected by RT-PCR. In addition, as described for VZV, SVV ORF 63 protein was detected in the cytoplasm of neurons in latently infected monkey ganglia by immunohistochemistry. We also present the first in depth analysis of the immune response to SVV. Infected animals produced a strong humoral and cell-mediated immune response to SVV, as assessed by immunohistology, serology and flow cytometry. Intrabronchial inoculation of rhesus macaques with SVV provides a novel model to analyze viral and immunological mechanisms of VZV latency and reactivation.