Varicella-zoster Virus Encephalitis in an Immunocompetent Child Without Vaccination

Abstract

Chickenpox, the primary infection of the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is usually a benign, self-limiting disease and it rarely causes severe complications. Encephalitis is a rare neurological complication of VZV in previously healthy children. We report on an immunocompetent child without vaccination diagnosed with VZV encephalitis who was treated with acyclovir and methylprednisolone and recovered completely.

Keywords

• varicella-zoster virus
• encephalitis
• vaccination
• immunocompetent
• children