Varicella Infection as a Congenital Health Threat: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Even though varicella is rare in pregnancy, if it occurs, it may be associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity for both mother and newborn. Studies show that maternal infection causes congenital varicella syndrome, which could be presented with neonatal malformations such as limbs hypoplasia, skin scarring, and visual defects. This disease is more dangerous in the case of association with pneumonia, bacterial superimposed infections, and hemorrhage. Therefore, it is suggested that any varicella-exposed pregnant woman at any gestational age receives prophylactic varicella immunoglobulin. This paper deals with the clinical consequences and the available methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of varicella-zoster virus infection during pregnancy.