European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is known for causing two highly infectious diseases-Varicella (chickenpox) and Herpes Zoster (shingles). The reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus causes Herpes zoster, also called as shingles. In the contrast, Herpes zoster usually arises in adults or the elderly. This virus reactivates mainly due to failure of the immune defense system to control the latent replication of the virus.
Objective: To study the epidemiological and clinical features of herpes zoster taking place in kids below 12 years of age.
Methodology: This was an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. A total of 50 patients with herpes zoster were selected for the study. The study was conducted from April 2018 to March 2022 in department of dermatology and venereology at Government Medical College, Bharatpur in Rajasthan. The children till 12 years of age infected with herpes zoster were included in the study.
Results: A total of 50 patients were identified with herpes zoster were enrolled for the study. There were 28 (56.1%) boys and 22 (44.0%) girls. The ages range was one month to 12 years, the smallest subject being 1 month of age. Most of the subjects i.e. 42 (84%) exhibited no evidence of immuno-suppression on prior records, examination, and clinical investigations. Four subjects were anti-HCV positive, 2 were diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis, one subject was on medication of systemic corticosteroids for a chronic bullous illness of babyhood, and one patient was recently spotted with leukaemia disease.
Total 21 (42%) subjects showed thoracic dermatomal involvement, 14 (28%) subjects of cervical, 8(16%) of cranial (ophthalmic), and 6(12%) subjects of lumbar dermatomal involvement were found. Only one subject (2%) was found with dissemination.