Disseminated herpes zoster in a 10-month-old infant: a case report

Introduction. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a herpesvirus, is the cause of two pathologies with greatly different epidemiology and clinical expressions. The primary infection is varicella, commonly known as “chickenpox”, manifesting in most cases during childhood, and herpes zoster or “shingles” which occurs due to the reactivation of the latent virus in elderly or immunosuppressed. The virus primarily spreads aerogenically but may also cross the placenta, having various complications depending on the pregnancy’s stage. Case presentation. We report a case of herpes zoster in an otherwise healthy 10-month-old infant, whose mother contracted varicella during the third trimester. The infant presented with a unilateral vesicular rash, located on the left leg and foot, associating irritability. The diagnosis was made clinically and confirmed using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) which identified VZV DNA inside the vesicle liquid. The clinical progression was favorable, with the patient making a full recovery, without complications. Conclusions. Due to the fact that herpes zoster is very rare during infancy, this case emphasizes the importance of comprehensive maternal history inquiry and early recognition of herpes zoster in this risk population.