A co-infection of primary varicella and COVID-19: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Primary varicella usually occurs in childhood and is generally self-limiting. In adults and immunocompromised individuals, it can have a more serious course. Obesity is one of the risk factors for a severe COVID-19 infection that can lead to immunosuppression among other systemic complications. This case report aims to present a rare co-infection of varicella-zoster virus and SARS-CoV-2 in an adult, as well as to evaluate the impact of this co-infection on the progression and severity of both diseases in order to highlight the significance of antiviral therapy in treating both infections. Case report. We report a case of a 34-year-old obese woman with varicella-zoster virus and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection who was successfully treated with oral acyclovir and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir without developing significant complications. Conclusion. Currently, there is not enough evidence to claim that co-infection with varicella-zoster virus and SARS-CoV-2 increases the chances of a more severe form of either of these infections. With effective antiviral therapy, it is possible to significantly reduce the chances of developing more severe forms of both infections, which physicians need to be aware of in case they come across it and respond promptly.