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J Pediatr Infect Dis
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786997
Case Report

Late-Onset Concurrent Infection of Vaccine Strain VZV and HSV-1 after Varicella Vaccination in a Child with Natural killer T Cell Deficiency

Nurettin O Kutlu
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Türkiye
,
Mehmet Karabey
2   Department of Medical Virology, University of Health Sciences, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, İstanbul, Türkiye
,
Sema Alacam
2   Department of Medical Virology, University of Health Sciences, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, İstanbul, Türkiye
,
Tuba Tinastepe
3   Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, İstanbul, Türkiye
,
Suleyman Yalcin
4   National Molecular Microbiology Reference Laboratory, General Directorate of Public Health, Ankara, Türkiye
,
Cigdem Aydogmus
3   Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, İstanbul, Türkiye
,
Nuran Karabulut
2   Department of Medical Virology, University of Health Sciences, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, İstanbul, Türkiye
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Abstract

Objective We describe a case with natural killer cell deficiency of late-onset Oka vaccine varicella zoster virus (VZV) strain and Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) dual infection resulting in fatal clinical course.

Methods An 18-month-old boy presented with a papulovesicular rash, mucocutaneous candidiasis, encephalopathy, and severe respiratory distress 6 months after receiving varicella vaccine. VZV and HSV-1 were analysed by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Oka vaccine strain of VZV by gene sequencing.

Results HSV-1 and VZV dual infection was detected in the blood and skin samples by RT-qPCR. Gene sequencing of VZV isolated from vesicular lesions was compatible with the Oka vaccine strain. Flow cytometry revealed a natural killer deficiency, but whole exome analysis failed to identify an associated genetic defect.

Conclusion Vesicular rashes in immunocompromised patients who were inadvertently vaccinated should be taken seriously, and antiviral therapy should be prompt and aggressive.

Keywords

varicella zoster virus - vaccine strain VZV - HSV-1 - natural killer T cell deficiency


Publication History

Received: 13 September 2023

Accepted: 16 April 2024

Article published online:
21 June 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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