A Case of Varicella-zoster Virus Meningitis without Rash Diagnosed by Multiplex PCR

A healthy, immunocompetent 15-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital with headache, fever, and loss of consciousness after vomiting. The vomiting disturbance improved promptly without any specific treatment. While there meningism, due the persistent headache a CSF examination performed on fourth day admission, which revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA detected by Multiplex PCR. patient gave history having had chickenpox at 4 years age. She received 14-day course intravenous acyclovir, treatment switched oral valacyclovir, given for another 3 days. made full recovery, no residual neurologic deficit. frequency VZV meningitis in children is low, have been reports few cases skin rash. It possible that some diagnosed as aseptic rash may be meningitis. PCR testing considered being an important tool early diagnosis appropriate