Question

A 23 year old primi gravida stays in the same house as her school going nephew, who contracted varicella infection. The woman approached the medical centre to get tested for the same and the result for varicella antibody was negative. Which of the following statements are true?

• A. She is susceptible to zoster
• B. She is susceptible to chickenpox
• C. She is immune to chickenpox
• D. She is immune to zoster

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In this scenario, we have a 23-year-old primi gravida woman who stays with her nephew, who has contracted a varicella infection, commonly known as chickenpox. Upon testing, it was found that she has negative antibodies for varicella. Let's analyze what this means for her susceptibility and immunity status:

• Since she tested negative for varicella antibodies, it means she has not been previously exposed to the virus, nor has she been vaccinated. Therefore, she does not have immunity against chickenpox.
• Chickenpox (varicella) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus; a negative antibody test indicates she is not immune and thus susceptible to contracting chickenpox if exposed.
• Her negative immunity status does not imply any susceptibility or immunity relative to shingles (zoster), a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Zoster occurs in individuals who have had chickenpox previously, which requires previous exposure or vaccination.

Considering these points, the statement that correctly describes her condition is: She is susceptible to chickenpox.