DETECTION OF VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) DNA IN FETAL TISSUE BY POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

Primary Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) infection during pregnancy can be associated with severe fetal malformation. The virological diagnosis of congenital VZV syndrome has not yet been successful, however, as VZ V could not be isolated from fetal tissue. We have now applied a polym erase chain reaction (PCR) assay to allow the detection of VZV DNA in fetuses whose mothers had acquired chickenpox in the first trimester o f pregnancy. In 2 of 3 fetuses investigated viral DNA was identified b y PCR independently in 2 laboratories, thus confirming a direct fetal VZV infection.