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ArticleVirus genes2025

Genomic analysis of Varicella zoster virus strains during an outbreak with atypical clinical presentations in Biswanath district of Assam, India.

Kimmi Sarmah, Ajanta Sharma, Kishore Sarma, Syed Tanwir Alam, Bornali Sarmah Dutta, Eliza Deka, Sahabuddin Ahmed Laskar, Narendra Singh Tishya, Manirangu Sobhana Lakshmi Priya, Achyut Chandra Baishya

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Article in Virus genes, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. An erratum has been issued. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Kimmi SarmahDepartment of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, State Level VRDL, Guwahati, 32, India.
Ajanta SharmaDepartment of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, State Level VRDL, Guwahati, 32, India. ajantasharma2002@yahoo.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4986-0530
Kishore SarmaDepartment of Computational Biology and Biotechnology, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, Nagaon, India.
Syed Tanwir AlamDepartment of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, State Level VRDL, Guwahati, 32, India.
Bornali Sarmah DuttaDepartment of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, State Level VRDL, Guwahati, 32, India.
Eliza DekaDistrict Surveillance Office, IDSP, Biswanath Chariali, Assam, India.
Sahabuddin Ahmed LaskarIDSP, Kamrup Metro, Guwahati SBCP, NRCP, NPPCL, Guwahati, India.
Narendra Singh TishyaState Surveillance Unit, IDSP, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Manirangu Sobhana Lakshmi PriyaNational Health Mission, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Achyut Chandra BaishyaGauhati Medical College & Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India.

Funding

Department of Health Research, India VU/10/2022/ECD (E-Office-136602)
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Chickenpox, caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), presents as varicella (chickenpox) during primary infection and as herpes zoster (shingles) upon reactivation. With a high infectivity rate and transmission through airborne droplets and contact, VZV poses a significant public health challenge. While the disease is self-limiting, complications such as encephalitis and pneumonia can occur, particularly in unimmunized individuals and those with weakened immune systems. The introduction of varicella vaccination has significantly reduced incidence and complications in countries with universal vaccination programs, but India is yet to incorporate this vaccine into its national immunization schedule. In June 2023, an outbreak of varicella was reported in Biswanath district, Assam, affecting 18 individuals. The outbreak highlighted the impact of factors such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate medical intervention. Clinical symptoms included fever, vesicular rash, and severe abdominal pain, with three fatalities linked to severe complications. Molecular and serological investigations confirmed VZV infection in the cases, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified the strain as belonging to Clade 5. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the strain's similarity to other Indian VZV sequences, aligning with the established VZV clade nomenclature. The outbreak investigation underscored the importance of timely medical intervention and effective vaccination strategies. Enhanced surveillance, community awareness, and a coordinated response involving various health stakeholders are crucial for managing varicella outbreaks and improving vaccination coverage. This study represents the first comprehensive genomic analysis of VZV from Northeast India, providing valuable insights into the strain circulation and reinforcing the need for vaccination and preventive measures.

Indexed as

ChickenpoxDisease OutbreaksHerpesvirus 3, HumanAdolescentAdultChildChild, PreschoolFemaleGenome, ViralGenomicsHumansIndiaMaleMiddle AgedPhylogenyWhole Genome SequencingAssamClade 5OutbreakVaricella Zoster virusWhole genome sequencing

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.