Антитела к вирусу Варицелла-Зостер (VZV, IgM)

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) IgM, also referred to as anti‑VZV IgM, assists in determining the cause of acute vesicular eruptions consistent with varicella (chickenpox) or herpes zoster (shingles), especially when the presentation is atypical or when other viral exanthems are in the differential. Because IgM appears early and declines rapidly, the test is used to document recent primary infection or reactivation and to aid evaluation of congenital varicella; detection of VZV‑specific IgM in a newborn supports congenital varicella syndrome. Assessment of immune status is performed with VZV IgG, not IgM.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes two clinical syndromes: primary varicella (chickenpox) and reactivation disease (herpes zoster or shingles). Although both conditions are often diagnosed clinically, laboratory testing is valuable in atypical cases. Transmission occurs by the airborne route with an incubation period of approximately 10–21 days. Varicella typically begins with fever and malaise followed by a diffuse vesicular rash; lesions crust and resolve over about two weeks, usually without scarring. Primary infection generally confers lifelong immunity. Varicella in pregnancy may be severe for the mother and is associated with varicella pneumonia in about 20% of cases. Fetal risks include congenital varicella syndrome characterized by cutaneous scarring, limb hypoplasia, microcephaly, encephalitis, and ocular involvement. Maternal infection near delivery can result in severe neonatal varicella with risk of death. Evaluation of immunity in this setting relies on VZV IgG rather than IgM, as IgM reflects only recent infection. After primary infection, VZV establishes latency in sensory neurons and can reactivate with stress, immune suppression, or exposure to cold, producing herpes zoster. Prodromal malaise and fever are followed by pain, paresthesia, or pruritus over an affected dermatome; a unilateral vesicular eruption typically appears 1–3 days later. Neuralgia may persist for about a month after the rash resolves. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies appear first, then decline as IgG increases; IgM can be undetectable if testing is delayed. During zoster, IgM may rise transiently. Accordingly, VZV IgM testing is most informative for confirming recent infection or reactivation.