Chickenpox -a) Is commonly seen in a congenital formb) May be severe in a newborn child infected by the mother in late pregnancyc) Affects the limbs more than the trunkd) May cause pneumonitise) Should be treated by intravenous vidarabine when there is evidence of hepatitis

**Core Concept**
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a highly contagious illness that affects people of all ages. It is characterized by a distinctive rash and can be severe in certain populations, such as newborns whose mothers are infected during late pregnancy.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **B**. Chickenpox can be severe in newborn children infected by the mother in late pregnancy due to the newborn's immature immune system. When a pregnant woman is infected with varicella-zoster virus, the virus can cause congenital varicella syndrome if the infection occurs during the first 20 weeks of gestation. However, if the mother is infected in the late stages of pregnancy, the newborn can be infected during delivery or shortly after birth, leading to severe disease.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Chickenpox is not commonly seen in a congenital form. While congenital varicella syndrome can occur if the mother is infected during the first 20 weeks of gestation, it is a rare occurrence.
* **Option C:** Chickenpox affects the trunk more than the limbs. The rash typically starts on the trunk and spreads to other areas of the body.
* **Option D:** While chickenpox can cause pneumonia, it is not the most common complication. Other complications include secondary bacterial infections and encephalitis.
* **Option E:** Vidarabine is not used to treat chickenpox. Acyclovir is the antiviral medication of choice for treating chickenpox, especially in severe cases or in immunocompromised patients.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to note that varicella-zoster virus infection in the late stages of pregnancy can increase the risk of maternal complications, such as pneumonia and hepatitis. However, the newborn is at risk of severe disease if infected during delivery or shortly after birth.

**Correct Answer:** B. May be severe in a newborn child infected by the mother in late pregnancy