Efficacy of Zoster Immune Globulin

Abstract

Varicella may be a life-threatening infection in children who have immunodeficiency diseases or who are taking immunosuppressive medications. It was previously demonstrated that zoster immune globulin (ZIG) can prevent varicella in normal children if given within 72 hours of exposure, and its possible efficacy has been reported in high-risk immunodeficient children as well. A program for the distribution of ZIG to high-risk susceptibles was established at the Center for Disease Control in 1971. In 1972, 56 high-risk children were treated with ZIG after exposure. Forty-nine recipients had no clinical symptoms of varicella; at least 34 of these 49 had undetectable CF antibody before treatment, though their immune status by other serologic techniques was unknown. In the seven recipients who developed varicella, the disease was not life-threatening. ZIG may be preferable to other available therapeutic modalities in the prevention or modification of varicella.