Retrospective analysis of varicella zoster virus (VZV) copy DNA numbers in plasma of immunocompetent patients with herpes zoster, of immunocompromised patients with disseminated VZV disease, and of asymptomatic solid organ transplant recipients

Abstract

Our qPCR assay proved to be highly sensitive (100%) in symptomatic VZV disease. We did not detect subclinical reactivation in asymptomatic SOT recipients during the first post-transplant year. Thus, subclinical VZV reactivation is either a rare event or does not exist. These data need to be confirmed in larger prospective trials.