Evidence Still Pending: Post-exposure Prophylactic Measures Against Varicella-Zoster Virus.

The article focuses on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) strategies for Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) exposure in hospital settings, highlighting the limited availability of Varicella Zoster specific immunoglobulin (VariZIG) in Japan and the common use of acyclovir or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) despite limited evidence for their efficacy. It reviews a U.S.-based retrospective cohort study analyzing PEP prescribing patterns and outcomes, which found higher VZV incidence in patients receiving acyclovir compared to those given VariZIG or IVIG. However, the study’s findings are complicated by variability in hospital prescribing practices, differences in patient risk profiles, and lack of detailed exposure and clinical data, suggesting potential bias in assessing acyclovir’s effectiveness. The authors emphasize the need for further research to clarify the role of acyclovir in VZV PEP, considering its accessibility and safety advantages.