Varicella Zoster Reactivation Causing Aseptic Meningitis in Healthy Adolescents: A Case Series And Review Of The Literature

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2020 Sep;39(9):e278-e282. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000002759.

Abstract

We describe 3 cases of adolescent varicella-zoster virus reactivation, complicated by aseptic meningitis, presenting to our institution in a 3-year period. These cases highlight varicella-zoster virus reactivation as an important cause of aseptic meningitis in the differential diagnosis of healthy adolescents, even in the absence of a characteristic exanthem. Evidence-based management recommendations are needed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Chickenpox / complications
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / pathogenicity
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Aseptic / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Aseptic / etiology*
  • Reinfection / complications*
  • Reinfection / diagnosis
  • Varicella Zoster Virus Infection / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Varicella Zoster Virus Infection / complications*
  • Varicella Zoster Virus Infection / diagnosis
  • Virus Activation