The Effect of Active Immunization on the Clinical Courses of Varicella

Park, Chang Keun; Kim, Hye One; Park, Chun Wook; Lee, Cheol Heon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Varicella is a disease caused by varicella zoster virus with vesicular skin eruption. Usually the symptom improves automatically though there have been rare cases, that developed serious complications. It can be prevented by immunization with live attenuated varicella vaccine. But among immunized children "breakthrough varicella" has been reported in about 5~20%.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of live attenuated varicella vaccine on clinical course of varicella.
METHODS
A total of 104 varicella patients were divided into two groups; vaccinated and unvaccinated. We evaluated patients about the demographic characters and clinical features of varicella through interview and medical examination. Because varicella is more serious in adolescents and adults, we also divided the patients into two groups by age of 12 for male and 10 for female.
RESULTS
The immunized group showed a statistically noticeable distinction. The patients showed more mild prodromal symptoms, small amount of rash in oral mucosa, and on the palms and soles. Small counts of total skin lesion and less itching were observed. They also required a shorter period of hospital treatment and disease duration.
CONCLUSION
Immunization is known to decrease the incidence of varicella, but the study also confirmed that immunization can weaken serious symptoms in breakthrough varicella.