WHAT IS VARICELLA ZOSTER IgG?

Varicella-zoster IgG is an antibody test that looks for the presence of antibodies against the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) in the blood. VZV is the virus that causes both chickenpox (primary infection) and shingles (secondary infection).

When a person is first infected with VZV, they develop chickenpox. Chickenpox is characterized by an itchy rash that is accompanied by fever, headache, and fatigue.

Varicella-zoster IgG antibodies are produced in response to infection with VZV. Once the infection is cleared, the antibodies usually remain in the blood for the rest of the person's life.

In some cases, VZV can reactivate and cause shingles. This usually occurs in people over the age of 50 who have had chickenpox. Shingles is also characterized by an itchy rash, but it is usually more painful than chickenpox.

A Varicella-zoster IgG test can be used to determine:

- If a person has had chickenpox in the past.

- If a person is immune to VZV.

- If a person is currently infected with VZV.

- To provide immunity for patients who are immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system.

- To screen pregnant women for varicella zoster infection.

The test is performed by taking a blood sample and testing it for the presence of Varicella-zoster IgG antibodies.

If a person has a positive test result, it means that they have been infected with VZV in the past and are likely to be immune to the virus.

If the person has a negative test result, it means that they have never been infected with VZV and are therefore not immune to the virus.

It's important to note that a Varicella-zoster IgG test cannot distinguish between a current VZV infection and a past infection. Therefore, if a person is suspected of having a current infection they may need to have additional tests performed, such as a PCR test or a culture.