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Unit Code 8812:
Varicella-Zoster Antibody, IgG, Serum

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Useful For

Determining the immune status of individuals to VZV

Clinical Information

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a herpes virus, causes 2

exanthematous (rash-associated) diseases, chickenpox and

herpes zoster (shingles). Chickenpox is a highly contagious

disease usually contracted during childhood and is characterized

by a dermal vesiculopustular rash that develops in successive

crops. Although primary infection results in immunity to

subsequently contracting chickenpox, the virus remains latent in

the body, localized to the dorsal root or cranial nerve ganglia.  

Reactivation of latent infection manifests as herpes zoster. On

reactivation, the virus migrates along neural pathways to the skin,

producing a unilateral rash usually limited to a single dermatome.

Reactivation occurs in older adults and in patients with impaired

cellular immunity.

 

Several populations are at risk of suffering unusually severe

reactions to VZV infections. The infection in pregnant women may

spread through the placenta to the fetus, causing congenital

disease in the infant. Immunosuppressed patients in hospitals

may contract severe nosocomial infections from others who have

active VZV infections. Therefore, serologic screening of direct

health care providers (physicians, allied health care personnel)

and individuals in high-risk groups is necessary to avoid

uncontrolled spread of infection.

Reference Values

Negative (reported as positive or negative)

A negative result indicates nonimmunity.

 

See "Virology" in Special Instructions for additional interpretive

information.

Interpretation

A negative IgG result indicates absence of prior exposure to VZV

and nonimmunity.

 

A positive IgG result indicates prior exposure to VZV and immunity.

 

Equivocal results should be followed up by repeat testing on a

new specimen.

Cautions

No significant cautionary statements

Special Instructions and Forms

• Virology 
• Infectious Material 

Clinical Reference

1.   Gallagher J, Quaid B, Cryan B:  Susceptibility to varicella

      zoster virus infection in health care workers. Occup Med (Oxf)

      1996;46:289-292

 

2.   Arvin AM:  Varicella-zoster virus. Clin Microbiol Rev 1996;9:

      361-381

Key