Varicella (chickenpox) has “matured” and become even more dangerous

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Abstract

This lecture focuses on varicella (chickenpox), one of the highly contagious diseases, the outbreaks of which can be effectively prevented through vaccination. It highlights modern aspects of the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of varicella. Additionally, the lecture explores the clinical diversity of the disease’s forms and complications, including cases in newborns with perinatal infection. Compelling evidence characterizes varicella as a severe and “non-benign” infectious disease, which ranks among the leading causes of economic losses associated with infectious diseases in Russia.

The “maturation” of varicella observed in recent years has led to serious consequences, including more severe complications in adults compared to children, an increased economic burden, and a rising number of cases among pregnant women, resulting in higher rates of congenital and neonatal varicella. In light of increasing varicella incidence in Russia and several other countries, the data presented in this lecture are particularly valuable for practicing physicians, especially family doctors.

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About the authors

Vladimir A. Neverov

North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov

Author for correspondence.
Email: v.neveroff@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0003-7951-5508
SPIN-code: 1798-2618

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Assistant Professor

Russian Federation, 41 Kirochnaya St., Saint Petersburg, 191015

Galina I. Kirpichnikova

North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov

Email: sotnik26@bk.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0004-8767-2332

Cand. Sci. (Biology), Assistant Professor

Russian Federation, 41 Kirochnaya St., Saint Petersburg, 191015

Vsevolod M. Antonov

North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov

Email: Vsevolod.Antonov@szgmu.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-3172-7926
SPIN-code: 9925-2139

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Assistant Professor

Russian Federation, 41 Kirochnaya St., Saint Petersburg, 191015

Galina Yu. Startseva

North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov

Email: star661@rambler.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-3660-2666
SPIN-code: 8392-2950

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Assistant Professor

Russian Federation, 41 Kirochnaya St., Saint Petersburg, 191015

Margarita V. Klur

North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov

Email: rita-med@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0006-6222-2452

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Assistant Professor

Russian Federation, 41 Kirochnaya St., Saint Petersburg, 191015

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