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Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine :... Sep 2017To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nucleoside antiviral drugs for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nucleoside antiviral drugs for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials that examined the effectiveness and/or safety of nucleoside antiviral drugs for recurrent herpes labialis were identified via a literature search. The parameters used to measure efficacy were time to healing of classic and all lesions, time to resolution of pain, and percentage of aborted lesions. Safety was assessed by evaluating the adverse events reported during treatment. Subgroup analyses based on the mode of application (topical/systemic) and type of nucleoside antiviral drugs were performed, as were sensitivity analyses of studies with a low risk of bias.
RESULTS
Our analysis included 16 publications reporting 25 randomized controlled trials (8453 patients). Nucleoside antiviral drugs decreased the time to healing of all lesions (mean difference: -0.74 days; 95% confidence interval: -0.86, -0.62), especially classic lesions (mean difference: -1.09 days; 95% confidence interval: -1.27, -0.92). They also reduced the time to resolution of pain (mean difference: -0.38 days; 95% confidence interval: -0.58, -0.18) and increased the percentage of aborted lesions (rate ratio: 1.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.07, 1.23). Valaciclovir more effectively reduced the time to healing of all lesions and the time to resolution of pain than did aciclovir. Both nucleoside antiviral drugs increased the percentage of aborted lesions, whereas penciclovir and famciclovir did not.
CONCLUSIONS
Nucleoside antiviral drugs are safe and beneficial for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis; both systemic and topical formulations are recommended. Valaciclovir is more effective than aciclovir, especially in reducing the time to healing of lesions.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Herpes Labialis; Humans; Nucleosides; Recurrence; Simplexvirus
PubMed: 27935123
DOI: 10.1111/jop.12534 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR May 2018Viral infections are being managed therapeutically through available antiviral regimens with unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The refractory viral infections resistant... (Review)
Review
Viral infections are being managed therapeutically through available antiviral regimens with unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The refractory viral infections resistant to available antiviral drugs are alarming threats and a serious health concern. For viral hepatitis, the interferon and vaccine therapies solely are not ultimate solutions due to recurrence of hepatitis C virus. Owing to the growing incidences of viral infections and especially of resistant viral strains, the available therapeutic modalities need to be improved, complemented with the discovery of novel antiviral agents to combat refractory viral infections. It is widely accepted that medicinal plant heritage is nature gifted, precious, and fueled with the valuable resources for treatment of metabolic and infectious disorders. The aims of this review are to assemble the facts and to conclude the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in the eradication and management of various viral diseases such as influenza, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), hepatitis, and coxsackievirus infections, which have been proven in diverse clinical studies. The articles, published in the English language since 1982 to 2017, were included from Web of Science, Cochrane Library, AMED, CISCOM, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, and PubMed by using relevant keywords including plants possessing antiviral activity, the antiviral effects of plants, and plants used in viral disorders. The scientific literature mainly focusing on plant extracts and herbal products with therapeutic efficacies against experimental models of influenza, HIV, HSV, hepatitis, and coxsackievirus were included in the study. Pure compounds possessing antiviral activity were excluded, and plants possessing activity against viruses other than viruses in inclusion criteria were excluded. Hundreds of plant extracts with antiviral effect were recognized. However, the data from only 36 families investigated through in vitro and in vivo studies met the inclusion criteria of this review. The inferences from scientific literature review, focusing on potential therapeutic consequences of medicinal plants on experimental models of HIV, HSV, influenza, hepatitis, and coxsackievirus have ascertained the curative antiviral potential of plants. Fifty-four medicinal plants belonging to 36 different families having antiviral potential were documented. Out of 54 plants, 27 individually belong to particular plant families. On the basis of the work of several independent research groups, the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against listed common viral diseases in the region has been proclaimed. In this context, the herbal formulations as alternative medicine may contribute to the eradication of complicated viral infection significantly. The current review consolidates the data of the various medicinal plants, those are Sambucus nigra, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, and Hypericum connatum, holding promising specific antiviral activities scientifically proven through studies on experimental animal models. Consequently, the original research addressing the development of novel nutraceuticals based on listed medicinal plants is highly recommended for the management of viral disorders.
Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Coxsackievirus Infections; HIV; HIV Infections; Hepatitis; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Influenza, Human; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Simplexvirus
PubMed: 29356205
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6024 -
JAMA Dec 2016Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Vertical transmission of HSV can lead to fetal morbidity and mortality. (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Vertical transmission of HSV can lead to fetal morbidity and mortality.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the evidence on serologic screening and preventive interventions for genital HSV infection in asymptomatic adults and adolescents to support the US Preventive Services Task Force for an updated recommendation statement.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and trial registries through March 31, 2016. Surveillance for new evidence in targeted publications was conducted through October 31, 2016.
STUDY SELECTION
English-language randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing screening with no screening in persons without past or current symptoms of genital herpes; studies evaluating accuracy and harms of serologic screening tests for HSV-2; RCTs assessing preventive interventions in asymptomatic persons seropositive for HSV-2.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Dual review of abstracts, full-text articles, and study quality; pooled sensitivities and specificities of screening tests using a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve analysis when at least 3 similar studies were available.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Accuracy of screening tests, benefits of screening, harms of screening, reduction in genital herpes outbreaks.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies (n = 9736 participants; range, 24-3290) in 19 publications were included. No RCTs compared screening with no screening. Most studies of the accuracy of screening tests were from populations with high HSV-2 prevalence (greater than 40% based on Western blot). Pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity of the most commonly used test at the manufacturer's cutpoint were 99% (95% CI, 97%-100%) and 81% (95% CI, 68%-90%), respectively (10 studies; n = 6537). At higher cutpoints, pooled estimates were 95% (95% CI, 91%-97%) and 89% (95% CI, 82%-93%), respectively (7 studies; n = 5516). Use of this test at the manufacturer's cutpoint in a population of 100 000 with a prevalence of HSV-2 of 16% (the seroprevalence in US adults with unknown symptom status) would result in 15 840 true-positive results and 15 960 false-positive results (positive predictive value, 50%). Serologic screening for genital herpes was associated with psychosocial harms, including distress and anxiety related to positive test results. Four RCTs compared preventive medications with placebo, 2 in nonpregnant asymptomatic adults who were HSV-2 seropositive and 2 in HSV-2-serodiscordant couples. Results in both populations were heterogeneous and inconsistent.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Serologic screening for genital herpes is associated with a high rate of false-positive test results and potential psychosocial harms. Evidence from RCTs does not establish whether preventive antiviral medication for asymptomatic HSV-2 infection has benefit.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; False Positive Reactions; Female; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 27997660
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2016.17138 -
Expert Review of Vaccines May 2022Following COVID-19 vaccination, several herpes zoster cases have been reported, making it critical to explore the association between herpes zoster and COVID-19... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Following COVID-19 vaccination, several herpes zoster cases have been reported, making it critical to explore the association between herpes zoster and COVID-19 vaccination. This is especially true in the context of increasing the number of participants enrolled to receive COVID-19 vaccination.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Three databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE, were searched for relevant studies before 25 December 2021 according to preliminarily determined inclusion and exclusion criteria without any language limitations. Four cohort studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Compared with the placebo group, there was no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccination group was associated with increased incidence of herpes zoster (Risk ratio [RR]: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91 to 1.24). There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccination from Moderna is associated with the incidence of herpes zoster compared with vaccination from Pfizer (RR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.01 to 2.99).
CONCLUSIONS
To date, there is no evidence of an association between covid-19 vaccination and herpes zoster.
Topics: COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Vaccination
PubMed: 35112938
DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2036128 -
Journal of Neurovirology Apr 2022Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a severe, inflammatory, immune-mediated astrocytopathy of the central nervous system, characterized by recurrent... (Review)
Review
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a severe, inflammatory, immune-mediated astrocytopathy of the central nervous system, characterized by recurrent inflammatory events primarily involving optic nerves and the spinal cord. Recently, a triggering role of infectious events in the development of NMOSD has been suggested. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the agent most involved, although the linkage with anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies is so far unknown. A review of the literature on the association between NMOSD and VZV infection was carried out by searching PUBMED and EMBASE from 1975 to July 2020. A total of 13 articles concerning Herpes zoster preceding NMOSD were identified. All patients were female and the median age at NMOSD presentation was 28.5 (range 5-63) years. Four NMOSD cases occurred after chicken pox while the remaining ten after HZ. Full recovery occurred in 5/14 patients. From the review of the literature, we can infer that VZV seems to trigger LETM attacks and not the disease itself. The strict temporal relationship between VZV infection and NMOSD seems to exceed the pure chance and represents an unusual clinical scenario posing several diagnostic and management challenges.
Topics: Aquaporin 4; Autoantibodies; Female; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Neuromyelitis Optica
PubMed: 35462584
DOI: 10.1007/s13365-022-01065-4 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections Dec 2017Reducing HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is critical to ending the HIV pandemic. Reports suggest that herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), a common coinfection in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Reducing HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is critical to ending the HIV pandemic. Reports suggest that herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), a common coinfection in HIV-infected individuals, is associated with increased MTCT, but results have been conflicting. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies to quantify the magnitude of this relationship (PROSPERO no. CRD42016043315).
METHODS
We searched Medline (1981 to June week 3, 2016), EMBASE (1981 to week 26, 2016), relevant conferences (2013-2016) and bibliographies of identified studies for cohort and case-control studies enrolling HIV-positive women during pregnancy or peripartum that quantified the effect of HSV-2 infection on MTCT. The primary outcome was the risk of perinatal HIV transmission associated with maternal HSV-2 status. Risk of bias was evaluated using a standardised tool, and results were meta-analysed where appropriate using a random-effects model, with studies weighted using the inverse variance method.
RESULTS
From 2103 hits, 112 studies were considered for inclusion, and 10 were ultimately included. Of the included studies, three used a case-control design, three were retrospective cohorts and four were prospective cohorts. Risk of bias was low in three studies, moderate in six and high in one. The median sample size was 278.5 mother-infant pairs (range: 48-1513). The most common strategy for classifying maternal HSV-2 status was type-specific serology (n=6), followed by genital shedding (n=3) or genital culture (n=3), clinical diagnosis of herpes (n=2) or genital ulcer disease (n=1). Results from five studies that provided quantitative estimates of the association between HSV-2 seropositivity and MTCT were meta-analysed, yielding a pooled unadjusted OR=1.17 (95% CI=0.69 to 1.96, I=58%). Three of these studies further considered key confounding variables, specifically antiretroviral use and/or viral load (n=3), and mode of delivery (n=2), yielding a pooled adjusted OR=1.57 (95% CI=1.17 to 2.11, I=0).
CONCLUSIONS
Maternal HSV-2 coinfection appears to be associated with increased perinatal HIV transmission. Further study of the effect of HSV-2 treatment on MTCT is warranted.
Topics: Antibodies, Viral; Coinfection; Female; HIV Infections; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Humans; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Observational Studies as Topic; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Viral Load
PubMed: 28600331
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052921 -
International Journal of Dermatology Sep 2022Although there is literature reporting correlations between varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections and COVID-19, insufficient evidence exists in this regard. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although there is literature reporting correlations between varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections and COVID-19, insufficient evidence exists in this regard. This scoping review aims to identify the existing evidence regarding clinical characteristics of primary VZV infection or reactivation in COVID-19.
METHODS
Following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for all peer-reviewed articles with relevant keywords including "Zoster," "Herpes," and "COVID-19" from their inception to November 20, 2021.
RESULTS
A total of 19 articles with three observational studies and 16 case reports or series were included. Primary VZV infections or reactivation were observed in 25 patients. Forty-eight percent of the patients had disseminated VZV infection. The median time of VZV-related rash after the onset of respiratory symptoms was 7.0 days (interquartile range: 0-18.8). Those with COVID-19 and primary VZV infection or reactivation had low lymphocyte counts with a median of 0.67 × 10 /μl.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review identified uncertainty and a lack of strong evidence to see the association between primary VZV infection or reactivation and COVID-19. However, those with COVID-19 may be more likely to have disseminated VZV, which poses an additional challenge from an infection prevention standpoint. Future studies are warranted to determine the association between primary VZV infection or reactivation and long-term consequences related to COVID-19.
Topics: COVID-19; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans
PubMed: 35503921
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16221 -
Pathogens and Global Health Jul 2019A source of comprehensive information on the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can help researchers and policymakers address HSV related... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A source of comprehensive information on the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can help researchers and policymakers address HSV related burden in the society. At the moment, this is not readily available. This study aims to fill this gap by attempting to estimate the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in Nigeria on the basis of published data. A systematic review and meta-analysis including cross-sectional studies on HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Nigeria was conducted. Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, African Journals Online (AJOL), ScienceDirect, WHO-Afro Library, WHO-IRIS and African Index Medicus were searched for English Language publications on HSV-1 and HSV-2. Seven relevant publications were identified. Seroprevalence measures of 3 and 23 for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively, were extracted. The pooled mean seroprevalences for HSV-1 and HSV-2 were 74.0% (37.4-99.4%) and 63.4% (56.1-70.4%) respectively. The mean seroprevalence of HSV-1 was higher among females, 82.4% (n = 509, CI, 36.6-100.0%), than males, 54.5% (n = 198, CI, 47.6-61.4%). The mean seroprevalence of HSV-2 were 51.8% (n = 1414, CI: 39.4-64.0%) and 86.5% (n = 162, CI: 80.8-91.3%) among healthy and clinical populations, respectively. The study was limited by the paucity of quality studies, variations in diagnostic methods and high heterogeneity in seroprevalence estimates. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 remain high in Nigeria. Large and representative national epidemiological surveys covering all regions and specific groups are recommended.
Topics: Antibodies, Viral; Female; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Sex Factors
PubMed: 31645218
DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2019.1678938 -
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Jun 2022This study characterized the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study characterized the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
METHODS
Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines were followed to systematically review, synthesize, and report HSV-2-related data up to January 21, 2021. Meta-analyses and meta-regressions were performed.
RESULTS
In Canada, pooled mean seroprevalence was 10.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.8-12.4%) among general populations, 44.5% (95% CI, 20.0-70.5%) among sexually transmitted infection clinic attendees and symptomatic populations, and 60.7% (95% CI, 49.8-71.1%) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals and individuals in HIV-discordant couples. In Australia and New Zealand, combined, pooled mean seroprevalence was 15.4% (95% CI, 9.6-22.2%) among general populations, 27.8% (95% CI, 12.0-47.2%) among men who have sex with men, and 37.2% (95% CI, 23.7-51.8%) among sexually transmitted infection clinic attendees and symptomatic populations. Men had 0.64-fold (95% CI, 0.47-0.86) lower seroprevalence compared with women. No evidence was found for a decline in seroprevalence over time. Pooled mean proportion of HSV-2 isolation in laboratory-confirmed genital herpes was 62.1% (95% CI, 53.8-70.1%) in Canada and 71.9% (95% CI, 64.2-78.9%) in Australia and New Zealand. Proportion of HSV-2 isolation in genital herpes declined by 0.98-fold (95% CI, 0.97-0.99) per year. Pooled mean proportion of HSV-2 isolation in genital ulcer disease was 17.4% (95% CI, 4.0-37.1%) in these countries.
CONCLUSIONS
Over 10% of adults in these countries are infected, with no evidence for declining seroprevalence, unlike other global regions. Over 60% of genital herpes cases are caused by HSV-2 in these countries, yet HSV-2's role is declining by 2% per year.
Topics: Adult; Female; HIV Seropositivity; Herpes Genitalis; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; New Zealand; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Ulcer; Urogenital Diseases
PubMed: 35608096
DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001612 -
Reviews in Medical Virology Jul 2024Stroke is a common worldwide cause of death and disability, resulting from an obstruction or reduction in blood flow to the brain. Research has demonstrated that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Stroke is a common worldwide cause of death and disability, resulting from an obstruction or reduction in blood flow to the brain. Research has demonstrated that systemic infection such as herpes zoster (HZ) / ophthalmicus herpes zoster (HZO) can potentially trigger stroke. This study includes an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiologic data on the connection between HZ/HZO infection and the risk of stroke. A meticulous search of different database yielded 905 studies. Furthermore, an additional 14 studies from a previous meta-analysis were incorporated. Eligible studies underwent rigorous screening, resulting in 18 papers. Statistical analyses, including random/fixed effects models and subgroup analyses, were conducted to assess pooled relative risk (RR) and heterogeneity. The meta-analysis consisted of 5,505,885 participants and found a statistically significant association between HZ infection and the risk of stroke (pooled RR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-1.34). The HZO infection showed a significantly higher overall pooled RR of 1.71 (95% CI 1.06-2.75), indicating a strong connection with the risk of stroke. Subgroup analysis revealed that the odds ratio might play a significant role in causing heterogeneity. Time since infection emerged as a crucial factor, with heightened stroke risk in the initial year post-HZ/HZO exposure, followed by a decline after the first year. Asian/Non-Asian studies demonstrated varied results in HZ/HZO patients. Meta-analysis reveals a significant HZ/HZO-stroke link. Subgroups highlight varied risks and warrant extended Asian/non-Asian patient investigation.
Topics: Humans; Stroke; Herpes Zoster; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Herpesvirus 3, Human
PubMed: 38853706
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2556