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Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples has improved the diagnosis of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection of the central nervous system (CNS). The VZV viral load in the CSF obtained from VZV-related neurological syndromes is not known.

To investigate VZV viral loads associated with VZV-related neurological syndromes, and to describe the clinical manifestations and sequels in patients with VZV DNA in the CSF.

Patients in the Western Gotaland region of Sweden with CNS symptoms and VZV DNA in the CSF, during 1995–2006 were retrospectively identified. The diagnoses, laboratory tests (including virus quantity), antiviral treatment, and neurological complications were studied.

Ninety-seven patients with VZV DNA in the CSF detected by PCR were identified. In 66 patients in whom VZV DNA levels …