수두와 대상포진 환자에서 수두대상포진 바이러스에 대한 혈청 내 면역글로불린 M, G의 임상적 의의

Abstract

Background: Serum varicella zoster virus (VZV) immunoglobulin M and G (IgM and IgG) are useful in diagnosis and confirmation of immunization. However, the relationship between serum VZV IgM and IgG and the clinical characteristics of VZV infection remains unclear. Objective: We evaluated quantitative changes in serum VZV IgM and IgG in accordance with the clinical features of varicella, herpes zoster and disseminated herpes zoster compared with a normal control group. Methods: A total of 922 patients were classified into three groups: varicella, herpes zoster and disseminated herpes zoster. We assessed serum VZV IgM and IgG titers based on age, severity of skin lesions, the duration of skin lesions, immune status and the presence of neurologic complications. Results: In both varicella and herpes zoster, serum antibody titer varied significantly depending on age and the duration of skin lesions. A high serum VZV IgM titer was related to viremic conditions such as varicella or disseminated herpes zoster. In herpes zoster, elevation of antibody titers, especially VZV IgM, was associated with severe skin lesions and the presence of neurologic complications. Conclusions: Serologic data for varicella and herpes zoster varied according to clinical features. A high serum VZV IgM titer was associated with an unfavorable clinical course of herpes zoster.