Serological and molecular investigation of suspected chickenpox cases from India, 2016–2025
The study confirms a high laboratory-confirmed rate of varicella among suspected cases in India, with children being the most affected. Molecular data identified VZV clade-5 as primary circulating genotype. These findings highlight a significant burden of chickenpox and provide molecular evidence to support inclusion of the varicella vaccine in India's Universal Immunization Program.
Authors
- Sunil R. Vaidya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6157-9090)
- Atul M. Walimbe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1044-177X)
- Madhukar B. Kamble
- Sarang Kamble
- Pankaj G. Pandey
- Roben P. George
Institutions
- ICMR-National Institute of Virology (IN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Infection and Public Health
- Published
- 2026-01-12
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103147
- Primary Topic
- Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00