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Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Aug 2023Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) belongs to the family Herpesviridae. Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of latent VZV. It is associated with risk factors such as...
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) belongs to the family Herpesviridae. Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of latent VZV. It is associated with risk factors such as immunosenescence, immunosuppressive pathologies and pharmacological treatments. Patients with these risk factors are more likely to be hospitalized. Increases in HZ hospitalizations have been reported in many countries in recent years. The objective of this study is to estimate hospitalization rates, mortality rates and costs due to HZ during the worst years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain (2020-2021). This is a descriptive study based on an analysis of information from the Minimum Basic Dataset and coded according to the Spanish version of the 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CM). Hospitalization, mortality and case-fatality rates, and median length of hospitalization were calculated.. The hospitalization rate was 14.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and the mortality rate was 1.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Both increased considerably with age. In this time period, 92.3% of the registered cases were people over 50 years of age. Nevertheless, during the COVID-19 pandemic period, hospitalization rate decreased and the mortality rate increased from previous years. HZ hospitalization and mortality rates are relevant issues in the public health of older people. It is highly recommended to evaluate new vaccination strategies against VZV to include the HZ vaccine for health care for elderly people, as well as to reduce the disease burden and associated risk factors. The estimation of HZ disease hospitalization costs were €100,433,904.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Spain; Pandemics; COVID-19; Herpes Zoster; Hospitalization; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Incidence
PubMed: 37799065
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2256047 -
PLoS Pathogens Jan 2024Viral infection is a significant risk factor for fertility issues. Here, we demonstrated that infection by neurotropic alphaherpesviruses, such as pseudorabies virus...
Viral infection is a significant risk factor for fertility issues. Here, we demonstrated that infection by neurotropic alphaherpesviruses, such as pseudorabies virus (PRV), could impair female fertility by disrupting the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis (HPOA), reducing progesterone (P4) levels, and consequently lowering pregnancy rates. Our study revealed that PRV exploited the transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) and its lipid activator, phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2), to facilitate viral entry through lysosomal cholesterol and Ca2+. P4 antagonized this process by inducing lysosomal storage disorders and promoting the proteasomal degradation of TRPML1 via murine double minute 2 (MDM2)-mediated polyubiquitination. Overall, the study identifies a novel mechanism by which PRV hijacks the lysosomal pathway to evade P4-mediated antiviral defense and impair female fertility. This mechanism may be common among alphaherpesviruses and could contribute significantly to their impact on female reproductive health, providing new insights for the development of antiviral therapies.
Topics: Female; Mice; Animals; Herpesvirus 1, Suid; Progesterone; Virus Internalization; Lysosomes; Antiviral Agents; Pseudorabies
PubMed: 38295116
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011956 -
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Jan 2024The incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) has increased in the United States concurrent with decrease in herpes simplex virus (HSV) prevalence. We hypothesized that lack of...
BACKGROUND
The incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) has increased in the United States concurrent with decrease in herpes simplex virus (HSV) prevalence. We hypothesized that lack of HSV-elicited cross-reactive immunity to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) results in an increased risk of HZ. Using specimens from the placebo arm of the Shingles Prevention Study, we investigated whether persons who develop HZ are less likely to have prior HSV infection than persons who do not develop HZ, and whether HZ is less severe in persons with HSV than in HSV seronegative persons.
METHODS
We conducted a nested case-control (1:2) study comparing the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in cases (persons with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed HZ) to age-, sex-, and health-matched controls (persons without HZ).
RESULTS
Sera from 639 study participants (213 cases and 426 controls) yielded definitive HSV antibody results and were analyzed. Overall, HSV seropositivity rate was 75%. HSV seronegativity was significantly higher in HZ cases than controls (30.5% vs 22.3%; P = .024), with a 55% higher risk of HZ in HSV seronegative than HSV seropositive participants. HSV seropositivity was associated with more severe HZ (P = .021).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrated that prior infection with HSV partly protects against HZ.
Topics: Humans; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Male; Female
PubMed: 37410908
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad259 -
Reviews in Medical Virology Jan 2024Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the immune-mediated demyelinating disorders. Multiple components, including the environment and genetics, are possible factors in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the immune-mediated demyelinating disorders. Multiple components, including the environment and genetics, are possible factors in the pathogenesis of MS. Also, it can be said that infections are a key component of the host's response to MS development. Finally, we evaluated the relationship between different pathogens and MS disease in this umbrella research. We systematically collected and analysed multiple meta-analyses focused on one particular topic. We utilised the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases starting with inception until 30 May 2023. The methodological quality of the analysed meta-analysis has been determined based on Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 and Grade, and graph construction and statistical analysis were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis. The Confidence Interval of effect size was 95% in meta-analyses, and p < 0.05 indicated a statistically meaningful relationship. The included studies evaluated the association between MS and 12 viruses containing SARS-CoV-2, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Hepatitis B virus, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), HHV-7, HHV-8, HSV-1, HSV-2, Cytomegalovirus, Human Papillomavirus, and influenza. SARS-CoV-2, with a 3.74 odds ratio, has a significantly more potent negative effect on MS among viral infections. After that, EBV, HHV-6, HSV-2, and VZV, respectively, with 3.33, 2.81, 1.76, and 1.72 odds ratios, had a significantly negative relationship with MS (p < 0.05). Although the theoretical evidence mostly indicates that EBV has the greatest effect on MS, recent epidemiological studies have challenged this conclusion and put forward possibilities that SARS-CoV-2 is the culprit. Hence, it was necessary to investigate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 and EBV on MS.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Virus Diseases; Viruses; Herpesvirus 3, Human
PubMed: 38010852
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2494 -
Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Sep 2023Previous studies have confirmed that Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharide (PGPS) has the effects of regulating immunity and anti-apoptosis, but its effect on...
Previous studies have confirmed that Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharide (PGPS) has the effects of regulating immunity and anti-apoptosis, but its effect on mitochondrial damage and apoptosis caused by PRV infection is still unclear. In this research, the effects of PGPS on the cell viability, mitochondria morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis caused by PRV based on PK-15 cells were respectively examined by CCK-F assay, Mito-Tracker Red CMXRos, JC-1 staining method and Western blot etc. CCK-F test results showed that PGPS had a protective effect on the decrease of cell viability caused by PRV. The results of morphological observation found that PGPS can improve mitochondrial morphology damage, mitochondrial swelling and thickening, and cristae fracture. Fluorescence staining test results showed that PGPS alleviated the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis in infected cells. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins showed that PGPS down-regulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and up-regulated the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in infected cells. These results indicated that PGPS protected against PRV-induced PK-15 cell apoptosis by inhibiting mitochondrial damage.
Topics: Animals; Herpesvirus 1, Suid; Platycodon; Apoptosis; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 37310618
DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01141-4 -
Journal of Medical Virology May 2024To inform surveillance, prevention, and management strategies for the varicella zoster virus (VZV) during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to evaluate the risk of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To inform surveillance, prevention, and management strategies for the varicella zoster virus (VZV) during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to evaluate the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) occurrence/recurrence following COVID-19 infection and vaccination. A comprehensive search across seven databases was conducted up to January 31, 2024, to identify studies relevant to the occurrence of HZ following COVID-19 infection and vaccination. The meta-analysis included five studies on postinfection HZ and 13 studies on postvaccination HZ. Patients infected with COVID-19 had a 2.16-fold increased risk of HZ (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-3.76) than uninfected individuals. However, there was no significant association between COVID-19 vaccination and the risk of HZ compared to controls, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.08 (95% CI: 0.84-1.39). Furthermore, a descriptive analysis of 74 postinfection and 153 postvaccination HZ studies found no significant differences on gender or age (<50 and ≥50 years) following COVID-19 infection. Notably, 44.0% of the HZ cases postinfection appeared within the first week, with 69.5% resolving within 10 days, predominantly presenting as skin lesions. In the postvaccination group, the majority (60.1%) developed HZ after the first dose and 66.7% occurred within 1 week. Moreover, 44.6% resolved within 10 days and 50.0% within a month, primarily exhibiting skin lesions and postherpetic neuralgia. The study found that COVID-19 infection increases the risk of HZ, but the COVID-19 vaccine does not. Further study is needed to explore the association between COVID-19 and HZ.
Topics: Humans; Herpes Zoster; COVID-19; Vaccination; Recurrence; COVID-19 Vaccines; SARS-CoV-2; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Middle Aged; Female
PubMed: 38682607
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29629 -
Infection Aug 2023Data on encephalitis in elderly patients are scarce. We aimed to describe the characteristics, aetiologies, management, and outcome of encephalitis in patients older... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
PURPOSE
Data on encephalitis in elderly patients are scarce. We aimed to describe the characteristics, aetiologies, management, and outcome of encephalitis in patients older than 65 years.
METHODS
We performed an ancillary study of ENCEIF, a prospective cohort that enrolled all cases of encephalitis managed in 46 clinical sites in France during years 2016-2019. Cases were categorized in three age groups: (1) 18-64; (2) 65-79; (3) ≥ 80 years.
RESULTS
Of the 494 adults with encephalitis enrolled, 258 (52%) were ≥ 65 years, including 74 (15%) ≥ 80 years. Patients ≥ 65 years were more likely to present with coma, impaired consciousness, confusion, aphasia, and rash, but less likely to present with fever, and headache (P < 0.05 for each). Median cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white cells count was 61/mm[13-220] in 65-79 years, 62 [17-180] in ≥ 80 years, vs. 114 [34-302] in < 65 years (P = 0.01). The proportion of cases due to Listeria monocytogenes and VZV increased after 65 years (P < 0.001), while the proportion of tick-borne encephalitis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis decreased with age (P < 0.05 for each). In-hospital mortality was 6/234 (3%) in < 65 years, 18/183 (10%) in 65-79 years, and 13/73 (18%) in ≥ 80 years (P < 0.001). Age ≥ 80 years, coma on admission, CSF protein ≥ 0.8 g/L and viral encephalitis were independently predictive of 6 month mortality.
CONCLUSION
Elderly patients represent > 50% of adults with encephalitis in France, with higher proportion of L. monocytogenes and VZV encephalitis, increased risk of death, and sequels. The empirical treatment currently recommended, aciclovir and amoxicillin, is appropriate for this age group.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Prospective Studies; Coma; Infectious Encephalitis; Encephalitis; Acyclovir; France; Herpesvirus 3, Human
PubMed: 36152225
DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01927-3 -
Archivos de La Sociedad Espanola de... Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpes Zoster; Vaccination; Herpesvirus 3, Human
PubMed: 38593978
DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2024.02.008 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2023Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). While the disease is usually mild, severe complications can occur requiring costly...
Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). While the disease is usually mild, severe complications can occur requiring costly hospitalization. A thorough understanding of the healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs of varicella is needed to inform health-economic models of preventive strategies. A systematic literature review was carried out to retrieve relevant publications between 1999 and 2021, reporting HCRU and cost outcomes for varicella and its complications. Data were extracted and stratified according to pre-specified age groups and complication categories. Costs were re-based to a $US2020 footing using both purchasing power parity and the medical component of consumer price indexes. Data were summarized descriptively due to high heterogeneity in study design and outcome reporting. Forty-four publications fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria of which 28 were conducted in Europe, 6 in Middle East and Asia, 5 in South America, 3 in North America, and 2 in multiple regions. Primary healthcare visits accounted for 30% to 85% of total direct costs. Hospitalization costs varied between $1,308 and $38,268 per episode depending on country, complication type, and length of stay, contributing between 2% and 60% to total direct costs. Indirect costs, mostly driven by workdays lost, accounted for approximately two-thirds of total costs due to varicella. The management of varicella and related complications can lead to substantial HCRU and costs for patients and the healthcare system. Additional research is needed to further characterize the varicella-associated economic burden and its broader impact from a societal standpoint.
Topics: Humans; Chickenpox; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Hospitalization; Communicable Diseases; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 37885425
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2266225 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Feb 2024Vaccines taking advantage of mRNA technology have been long in development.
BACKGROUND
Vaccines taking advantage of mRNA technology have been long in development.
OBJECTIVES
To review the status of approved mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases as well as those in development.
METHODS
Systematic literature review of clinical and immunologic studies of mRNA vaccines against infectious diseases.
RESULTS
Currently approved mRNA vaccines include those against SARS CoV-2 virus. They are immunogenic and provide good protection against severe disease. A number of mRNA vaccines for influenza are in development including in phase 3 studies. Other such vaccines in development include those targeting Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), varicella (VZV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Many of these vaccines will likely be indicated for immunosuppressed populations including those with autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
CONCLUSIONS
A number of mRNA vaccines against viral pathogens are in early to late phase development. The ability to rapidly change vaccine constituents and target complex targets, make mRNA vaccines likely to be adopted in the future.
Topics: Humans; Communicable Diseases; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Herpesvirus 4, Human; mRNA Vaccines; Rheumatologists
PubMed: 38040517
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152325