Sarmah Kimmi, Sharma Ajanta, Sarma Kishore, Alam Syed Tanwir, Dutta Bornali Sarmah, Deka Eliza, Laskar Sahabuddin Ahmed, Tishya Narendra Singh, Lakshmi Priya Manirangu Sobhana, Baishya Achyut Chandra
Department of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, State Level VRDL, Guwahati, 32, India.
Department of Computational Biology and Biotechnology, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, Nagaon, India.
Virus Genes. 2025 Apr 12. doi: 10.1007/s11262-025-02156-0.
Chickenpox, caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), presents as varicella (chickenpox) during primary infection and as herpes zoster (shingles) upon reactivation. With a high infectivity rate and transmission through airborne droplets and contact, VZV poses a significant public health challenge. While the disease is self-limiting, complications such as encephalitis and pneumonia can occur, particularly in unimmunized individuals and those with weakened immune systems. The introduction of varicella vaccination has significantly reduced incidence and complications in countries with universal vaccination programs, but India is yet to incorporate this vaccine into its national immunization schedule. In June 2023, an outbreak of varicella was reported in Biswanath district, Assam, affecting 18 individuals. The outbreak highlighted the impact of factors such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate medical intervention. Clinical symptoms included fever, vesicular rash, and severe abdominal pain, with three fatalities linked to severe complications. Molecular and serological investigations confirmed VZV infection in the cases, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified the strain as belonging to Clade 5. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the strain's similarity to other Indian VZV sequences, aligning with the established VZV clade nomenclature. The outbreak investigation underscored the importance of timely medical intervention and effective vaccination strategies. Enhanced surveillance, community awareness, and a coordinated response involving various health stakeholders are crucial for managing varicella outbreaks and improving vaccination coverage. This study represents the first comprehensive genomic analysis of VZV from Northeast India, providing valuable insights into the strain circulation and reinforcing the need for vaccination and preventive measures.
水痘由水痘带状疱疹病毒（VZV）引起，在初次感染时表现为水痘，病毒再激活时则表现为带状疱疹。VZV传染性高，可通过空气飞沫和接触传播，对公共卫生构成重大挑战。虽然该疾病具有自限性，但可能会出现脑炎和肺炎等并发症，尤其是在未接种疫苗的个体以及免疫系统较弱的人群中。水痘疫苗的引入在实施全民疫苗接种计划的国家显著降低了发病率和并发症，但印度尚未将这种疫苗纳入其国家免疫规划。2023年6月，阿萨姆邦比斯瓦纳特地区报告了一起水痘疫情，有18人受影响。此次疫情凸显了过度拥挤、通风不良和医疗干预不足等因素的影响。临床症状包括发热、水疱疹和严重腹痛，有3人因严重并发症死亡。分子和血清学调查证实病例感染了VZV，全基因组测序（WGS）确定该毒株属于5型分支。系统发育分析显示该毒株与其他印度VZV序列相似，符合既定的VZV分支命名法。疫情调查强调了及时医疗干预和有效疫苗接种策略的重要性。加强监测、提高社区意识以及各卫生利益相关方的协调应对对于管理水痘疫情和提高疫苗接种覆盖率至关重要。这项研究是对印度东北部VZV进行的首次全面基因组分析，并为毒株传播提供了宝贵见解，同时强化了疫苗接种和预防措施的必要性。
