Detection of varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA in fetal tissue by polymerase chain reaction.

Primary Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) infection during pregnancy can be associated with severe fetal malformation. The virological diagnosis of congenital VZV syndrome has not yet been successful, however, as VZV could not be isolated from fetal tissue. We have now applied a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to allow the detection of VZV DNA in fetuses whose mothers had acquired chickenpox in the first trimester of pregnancy. In 2 of 3 fetuses investigated viral DNA was identified by PCR independently in 2 laboratories, thus confirming a direct fetal VZV infection.