Immune Responses to Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccination and Infection

Background:

• The common varicella-zoster virus causes both chickenpox and shingles. Both diseases cause rashes, but they can also have complications such as bacterial infections of the skin, pneumonia, or eye disease.
• By drawing and studying blood samples from people who have been infected with the varicella-zoster virus or who are receiving or have received the varicella vaccine, researchers hope to learn more about the immune system s response to the virus.

Objectives:

• To determine the immune system s response to the varicella virus, either in its existing form or given as part of a vaccine.

Eligibility:

• Individuals 18 years of age and older who have had or are receiving the varicella vaccine.
• Individuals 5 years of age and older who currently have chickenpox or shingles.

Design:

• Participants will visit the NIH Clinical Center for an initial physical examination, and will provide blood samples for evaluation.
• Researchers will determine the number of samples to be taken and the amount of blood to be drawn as needed based on the participants medical history and exposure to the varicella-zoster virus.

Investigators in this study will not be giving subjects either the chickenpox or shingles vaccine. They will only be looking at the response to the vaccine in persons who are receiving or have received the vaccine from their health care provider.