Viral Genome Sequencing Proves Nosocomial Transmission of Fatal Varicella

We report the first use of whole viral genome sequencing to identify nosocomial transmission of varicella-zoster virus with fatal outcome. The index case patient, nursed in source isolation, developed disseminated zoster with rash present for 1 day before being transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). Two patients who had received renal transplants while inpatients in an adjacent ward developed chickenpox and 1 died; neither patient had direct contact with the index patient.

Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases - October 12, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Depledge, D. P., Brown, J., Macanovic, J., Underhill, G., Breuer, J. Tags: VIRUSES Source Type: research