IGG SUBCLASSES IN VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS-INFECTIONS

Sera from cases of varicella and zoster together with sera from healthy people seropositive for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) have been examined for their specific IgG subclass profile. Specific IgG1 was present in all sera containing VZV-specific IgG antibody. Sera from healthy individuals seropositive for VZV also commonly contained specific IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4. Specific IgG1 and IgG3 were the main subclasses detected after varicella in sera taken up to 2 months after the onset of symptoms. Specific IgG3 was also detected soon after zoster, but did not persist for as long as after varicella. Specific IgG2 and IgG4 can also be detected frequently after zoster, but rarely in the 2 months after varicella. Thus the IgG subclass profiles can be of some help in serologically distinguishing between varicella and zoster but cannot be used as the sole discriminatory factor. © 1990.