A neonate presented with cicatrizing skin lesions all over the body with hypoplasia of all limbs. An MRI of the brain revealed diffuse cerebral atrophy. An ophthalmologic evaluation reveals chorioretinitis. Which of these tests is most likely to show a positive result in this patient?
(A) Anti-HCMV antibodies (B) Anti-toxoplasma antibodies (C) Anti-VZV antibody (D) Anti-rubella antibody
(C) Ans: C. Anti-VZV antibody(Ref Ghai 8/e p2215).Suggestive of congenital varicella infections detected using Anti-VZV antibodies.Congenital varicella syndrome:Characterized by cicatricial skin scarring in a zoster-like distribution, limb hypoplasia, and neurologic (e.g., microcephaly, coical atrophy, seizures, and mental retardation), eye (e.g., chorioretinitis, microphthalmia, and cataracts), renal (e.g., hydroureter and hydrottephrosis) and autonomic nervous system abnormalities (neurogenic bladder, swallowing dysfunction, and aspiration pneumonia).