the association between varicella and acute appendicitis: a rare case report and literature review

Varicella-zoster virus, the causative agent of chickenpox, is typically a self-limiting disease. however, in rare cases, it has been associated with atypical complications. here, we report a unique case of acute appendicitis following varicella infection in an otherwise healthy individual. the possible mechanisms linking varicella to appendiceal inflammation remain unclear, but viral-induced immune dysregulation and secondary bacterial infection have been suggested. in our study, we aim to highlight this rare association, discuss potential pathophysiological mechanisms, and review the existing literature on similar cases.