Abstract: The anti-varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody titers were determined with the method of enzyme linked SPA in sera from 68 patients with herpe,zoster(HZ) and in sera from 35 controls.The results were as follows:In the first week after the onset of HZ,the VZV antibody titers were low in the majority of patients and there was a positive correlation with the severity of patient's pain,but no correlation with patient's age.The titers of VZV antibody were markedly elevated during the 2nd and 3rd week after disease onset,and in this period,there was a positive correlation with patient's age and severity of pain,i.e.higher titers of VZV antibody were usually found in older patients with more severe pain.In patients without postherpetic neuralgia (PHN),the titers of VZV antibody almost returned to normal level in 6 months after HZ episode,but in patients with PHN,the titers of this antibody still remained in high level after 1 to 2 years,which showed that there was a close relation between the PHN and VZV antibody.The VZV antibodies in control group were negative or within normal range.

Key words: Herpes zoster, Antibodies,varicella-zoster virus