Chickenpox in Pregnancy : Case Study

Abstract

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a highly contagious DNA herpes virus transmitted via respiratory droplets, direct contact, or rarely through the air. The primary infection causes a spreading vesicular rash commonly called chickenpox. Chickenpox pregnancy is rare, with 1-6 cases per 10,000 pregnancies. Infection in the mother during pregnancy can have serious impacts on the mother, fetus and newborn. The present study aimed to explain chickenpox in pregnancy. This is a case study that explains chickenpox in pregnancy. A 29 year old woman pregnant with her first child at 4 weeks' gestation, complained of red spots appearing, filled with water and sore since 2 days ago. The examination results showed that the hemoglobin level was 12.7g/dl, leukocytes 8.8 103/uL, platelets, 363 103/Ul, hematocrit 37.5%, clotting time 4, bleeding time 2, and blood glucose at 108 mg/day. Pregnancy causes a relative decrease in cellular immunity. This fact is explained by physiological immunosuppression in pregnancy. Immunosuppression in pregnancy makes the Varicella zoster virus (VZV) susceptible in pregnant women. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is transmitted through respiratory droplets, direct contact, or rarely through the air. The primary infection causes a spreading vesicular rash. Varicella infection between the 8-20th week of pregnancy, the fetus is at risk of developing congenital varicella syndrome, a rare syndrome associated with many abnormalities (chorioretinitis, congenital cataracts, cerebral cortex atrophy as well as varying degrees of extremity atrophy and skin scarring). Vaccination is a preventive measure for chickenpox and can reduce its severity. Pregnant women need appropriate treatment to prevent morbidity in the mother and defects in the fetus, as well as mortality in the mother and fetus.