ETHNIC-DIFFERENCES IN THE SEVERITY OF VARICELLA IN ADULTS IN NORTHERNSAUDI-ARABIA

The severity of varicella infection in 124 expatriates from the Asian continent was compared to that in 120 Saudi nationals, seen in Arar Ce ntral Hospital, Arar, Saudi Arabia, between January 1992 and December 1994, Persistent fever (defined as a raised body temperature more than 37.4 degrees C lasting more than 5 days), extensive skin eruptions (d efined as extensive, when more than 50% of the body surface was affect ed) and transient elevation of hepatic enzymes (aspartate transaminase s >37U/L and alanine transaminases >40U/L) after excluding other possi ble causes, occurred significantly more in expatriates than in Saudis. The mean duration of the illness in expatriates was 15.9+/-3.41 days as compared to a mean duration of 13.1+/-3.52 days in Saudis. This dif ference was statistically significant (p<0.01 Student's t-test), The f indings in this study suggest that varicella infection runs a more sev ere course in expatriates from the Asian continent as compared to the Saudis. Treatment with the antiviral agent acyclovir may be indicated in this group of expatriates with varicella infection.