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Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Aug 2021Although there has long been a suspected association between varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and multiple sclerosis (MS), the connection has remained unclear. In this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although there has long been a suspected association between varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and multiple sclerosis (MS), the connection has remained unclear. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis in an attempt to assess the association between VZV IgG serostatus and MS.
METHODS
A literature search was performed using three databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane. Eligible results included observational studies investigating the seroprevalence of VZV immunoglobulin G (IgG) in adults with MS versus non-MS controls. Two authors performed a screen of the search results, evaluating them for quality and relevant outcomes. Using a random-effect model, we estimated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
The literature search yielded 1,268 articles, 8 of which (2,266 MS patients and 1,818 controls) were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Evaluation of all included studies together showed no significant association between VZV IgG seropositivity and MS (OR 1.439; 95%CI, 0.503-4.118; p 0.497). However, when analyzed in subgroups based on geographical area, studies performed in Asian countries showed VZV IgG seropositivity was more common in MS patients than in controls (OR 4.470; 95%CI 1.959-10.203; p < 0.001). No significant association was found in European countries.
CONCLUSIONS
This study found evidence of an association between VZV IgG seropositivity and MS in Asian countries. Additional studies are warranted to ascertain factors impacting this association.
Topics: Adult; Antibodies, Viral; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Multiple Sclerosis; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 34148006
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103024 -
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Feb 2011Several commercial type-specific serologic tests are available for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Poor specificity of some tests has been reported on samples from... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Several commercial type-specific serologic tests are available for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Poor specificity of some tests has been reported on samples from sub-Saharan Africa.
METHODS
To summarize the performance of the tests using samples from sub-Saharan Africa, we conducted a systematic review of publications reporting performance of commercially available HSV-2 tests against a gold standard (Western Blot or monoclonal antibody-blocking EIA). We used random-effects meta-analyses to summarize sensitivity and specificity of the 2 most commonly evaluated tests, Kalon gG2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Focus HerpeSelect HSV-2 ELISA.
RESULTS
We identified 10 eligible articles that included 21 studies of the performance of Focus, and 12 of Kalon. The primary analyses included studies using the manufacturers' cut-offs (index value = 1.1). Focus had high sensitivity (random effects summary estimate 99%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 99%-100%) but low specificity (69%, 95% CI: 59%-80%). Kalon had sensitivity of 95% (95% CI: 93%-97%) and specificity of 91% (95% CI: 86%-95%). Specificity of Focus was significantly lower (P = 0.002) among HIV-positive (54%, 95% CI: 40%-68%) than HIV-negative individuals (69%, 95% CI: 56%-82%). When the cut-off optical density index was increased above the recommended value of 1.1 to between 2.2 and 3.5, the specificity of Focus increased to 85% (95% CI: 77%-92%).
CONCLUSIONS
Sensitivity and specificity of HSV-2 tests used in sub-Saharan Africa vary by setting, and are lower than reported from studies in the United States and Europe. Increasing the cut-off optical density index may improve test performance. Evaluation of test performance in a given setting may help deciding which test is most appropriate.
Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Antibodies, Viral; Blotting, Western; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Europe; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serologic Tests; United States
PubMed: 20706175
DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0b013e3181f0bafb -
Burns : Journal of the International... Feb 2017The contribution of human herpes viruses, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) to morbidity and mortality after... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The contribution of human herpes viruses, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) to morbidity and mortality after burns remains controversial. This systematic review was undertaken to assess evidence of herpes virus-related morbidity and mortality in burns.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Ovid, and Web of Science were searched to identify studies of HSV, CMV, or VZV infections in burn patients. Exclusion criteria included: A level of evidence (LoE) of IV or V; nonhuman in vivo studies; and non-English articles. There was no limitation by publication date.
RESULTS
Fifty articles were subjected to full-text analysis. Of these, 18 had LoE between I-III and were included in the final review (2 LoE I, 16 LoE II-III). Eight had a prospective study design, 9 had a retrospective study design, and 1 included both.
CONCLUSIONS
No direct evidence linked CMV and HSV infection with increased morbidity and mortality in burns. Following burn, CMV reactivation was more common than a primary CMV infection. Active HSV infection impaired wound healing but was not directly correlated to mortality. Infections with VZV are rare after burns but when they occur, VZV infections were associated with severe complications including mortality. The therapeutic effect of antiviral agents administered after burns warrants investigation via prospective randomized controlled trials.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Burns; Chickenpox; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Simplexvirus; Virus Activation
PubMed: 27515422
DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2016.02.003 -
BMC Public Health May 2015Reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus, partly due to age-related immunosenescence and immunosuppressive conditions, results in herpes zoster (HZ) and its... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus, partly due to age-related immunosenescence and immunosuppressive conditions, results in herpes zoster (HZ) and its associated complications. The management of the most important complication, post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), is challenging, particularly in the elderly, and is generally unsatisfactory. No previous reviews have reported the incidence of HZ-associated mortality.
METHODS
We carried out a systematic literature review to identify studies and databases providing data for HZ-associated mortality in adults aged ≥ 50 years in Europe.
RESULTS
We identified 12 studies: Belgium (1); France (1); Germany (1); the Netherlands (2); Portugal (1); Spain (4) and England/Wales (2) and 4 databases from Europe: France; Germany and England/Wales. The incidence was available from eight studies; it was highest in those aged ≥ 95 in France (19.48/100,000). In the European (WHO) database, the overall mortality ranged from 0 to > 0.07/100,000. The age- and gender-specific HZ mortality rates from the other databases showed that while in younger age groups the HZ mortality rate was higher in males, in older patients the rate was much higher in women. The case fatality rate was 2 and 61/100,000 in those 45-65 and ≥ 65 years, respectively. A similar increase with age was seen for the hospital fatality rate; 0.6% in those 45-65 years in the UK and 7.1% in those ≥ 80 in Spain.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the data were sparse and heterogeneous, HZ-associated mortality clearly increases with age. In addition, the elderly who develop HZ often have underlying diseases and are at increased risk of functional decline and loss of independence. Mortality should be taken into account in health-economics models.
Topics: Aged; Belgium; England; Europe; Female; France; Germany; Health Status; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; History, 18th Century; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Netherlands; Neuralgia, Postherpetic; Portugal; Registries; Spain
PubMed: 25940080
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1753-y -
Journal of Neuro-oncology Jun 2014The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of adding viral vector-mediated gene therapy with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) to standard... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of adding viral vector-mediated gene therapy with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) to standard treatment, in comparison with standard treatment alone to treat patients with high-grade gliomas (HGGs). A literature search of the databases PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Chinese biomedicine was performed to identify eligible studies. Three randomized controlled trials (involving a total of 532 patients) were included in this systematic review. A meta-analysis of included studies demonstrated a significant increase in median survival time (MST) in patients who were treated with HSV-tk gene therapy (mean deviation 0.59, 95% CI: 0.41-0.76, p < 0.0001). The results of pooled analysis for different patient groups show that overall survival (OS) for all HGG patients was improved by adding gene therapy [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.74-1.13, p = 0.42], while a different result was seen for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients (HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.80-1.41, p = 0.70). Furthermore, the combined results for tumor progression implied that standard therapy was superior to gene therapy [odds ratio (OR) = 1.31, p = 0.09]; yet differences in HR and OR between experimental groups and control groups had no statistical significance (p > 0.05). Based on the best available evidence, it appears that adding gene therapy with HSV-tk has some effect in treating HGG patients, especially with respect to MST. However, neither the pooled analysis of OS, nor the combined analysis of tumor progress indicates any significant advantage to adding gene therapy compared with standard treatment alone. More prospective studies are needed to draw solid conclusions about whether gene therapy has significant prognostic advantage.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Disease Progression; Genetic Therapy; Genetic Vectors; Glioma; Humans; Neoplasm Staging; Prognosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Simplexvirus; Survival Analysis; Thymidine Kinase
PubMed: 24756350
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-014-1444-z -
BMJ Global Health Jul 2020To describe the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in Europe. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To describe the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in Europe.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed HSV-1 related publications, conducted various meta-analyses and meta-regressions, assessed pooled mean seroprevalence, and estimated pooled mean proportions of HSV-1 viral detection in clinically diagnosed genital ulcer disease (GUD) and in genital herpes.
RESULTS
We extracted, from 142 relevant records, 179 overall (622 stratified) seroprevalence measures, 4 overall proportions of HSV-1 in GUD and 64 overall (162 stratified) proportions of HSV-1 in genital herpes. Pooled mean seroprevalence was 67.4% (95% CI 65.5% to 69.3%) with 32.5% (95% CI 29.4% to 35.7%) of children and 74.4% (95% CI 72.8% to 76.0%) of adults infected. Pooled seroprevalence increased steadily with age, being lowest in those aged <20 years (39.3%, 95% CI 35.9% to 42.7%) and highest in those aged >50 years (82.9%, 95% CI 78.8% to 86.6%). Pooled seroprevalence decreased yearly by 0.99-fold (95% CI 0.99 to 1.00). Pooled mean proportion of HSV-1 detection was 13.6% (95% CI 4.1% to 27.1%) in GUD, 34.1% (95% CI 31.7% to 36.5%) in genital herpes and 49.3% (95% CI 42.2% to 56.4%) in first episode genital herpes. Pooled proportion of HSV-1 detection in genital herpes increased yearly by 1.01-fold (95% CI 1.00 to 1.02), with higher detection in women (42.0%, 95% CI 37.4% to 46.7%) than men (24.1%, 95% CI 19.8% to 28.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
HSV-1 epidemiology is transitioning away from its historical pattern of oral acquisition in childhood. Every year, seroprevalence is declining by 1% and the proportion of HSV-1 in genital herpes is increasing by 1%. As many as two-thirds of children are reaching sexual debut unexposed, and at risk of HSV-1 genital acquisition in adulthood.
Topics: Adult; Child; Europe; Female; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Sex Workers; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Young Adult
PubMed: 32675066
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002388 -
Oral Diseases Apr 2024The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was to assess whether herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can infect endodontic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was to assess whether herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can infect endodontic periapical lesions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Studies with cross-sectional design investigating HSV-1 in periapical tissues of patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic acute and chronic apical periodontitis were searched through MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Pooled HSV-1 prevalence proportion with 95% confidence interval (95CI) in periapical lesions was assessed with both fixed-effect and random-effects models, with/without adjustment for study quality and publication bias. Result robustness was investigated through sensitivity and subgroup analyses.
RESULTS
Literature search, performed twice, provided 84 items, and eight remained for the meta-analysis; globally, there were 194 patients mostly adults. The pooled HSV-1 prevalence proportions, assessed with various methods, were 6.9% (95CI, 3.8-11.3%, fixed-effect); 6.8% (95CI, 3.6-11.0%, random-effects); 8.1% (95CI, 4.4-14.5%, quality-adjusted); and 4.8% (95CI, 2.0-11.4%; adjusted for small-study effect).
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated that HSV-1 can colonize the periapical tissues of 3%-11% patients with periapical diseases. Such data do not imply a causative role of HSV-1 in disease development and advancement. Well-designed and large-sized prospective cohort studies should be added in the literature panorama.
Topics: Humans; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Periapical Periodontitis; Prevalence
PubMed: 37338057
DOI: 10.1111/odi.14645 -
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 -
AIDS Research and Therapy Oct 2022As one of the most prolific sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world, Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the primary causes of genital ulcers. In... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
As one of the most prolific sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world, Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the primary causes of genital ulcers. In addition, HSV-2 infection multiplies the risk of acquiring HIV. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at particularly high risk of contracting both diseases. Unfortunately, little information is available with regarding to the comprehensive prevalence of HSV-2 among MSM in mainland China. The objective of this manuscript was to determine the composite prevalence of HSV-2 among MSM in mainland China via systematic review and meta-synthesis.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Database for Chinese Periodicals, and the VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals for relevant articles published from the database's inception to 28 April 2022 that reported data on the prevalence of HSV-2 within the MSM population in mainland China. We considered publications to be eligible for inclusion if they satisfied these conditions: (1) publication participants were MSM in China mainland. Studies were excluded if participants were exclusively all HIV-positive MSM, all HIV-negative MSM, injection-drug users, or MSM sex workers. These studies would have introduced selection bias and skewed pooled prevalence estimates higher or lower; (2) proportion of HSV-2 virus among MSM in China mainland were reported; (3) HSV-2 diagnosis was conducted in a laboratory based on a strict type-specific glycoprotein-G based assays diagnostic method or PCR method; and (4) had a sample size over 20. Exclusion criteria included: (1) not being an original manuscript, such as a review article; (2) being a guideline, correspondence, and/or conference abstract; (3) the publication population did not reside in China mainland when the study was carried out; and (4) if the same epidemiological data were printed in both English and Chinese journals, English articles were preferred. We assessed the risk of bias in each individual publication using the modified quality assessment tool for systematic reviews of observational publications (QATSO). This meta-analysis was conducted by using R software. Due to extensive heterogeneity between various publications, we employed a random effect model to calculate the composite prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. We then conducted meta-regression to investigate the potential causes of observed heterogeneity. Lastly, we employed subgroup analysis based on characteristics of studies to compare the prevalence estimates across the groups. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot, Begg's test and Egger's test. Sensitivity analysis was also performed by removing each single study separately.
RESULTS
This study included 31 articles (9 published in English and 22 in Chinese) in our meta-synthesis. The pooled prevalence of HSV-2 among MSM in China mainland was 0.094 (95%CI:0.074 to 0.116). Prevalence of HSV-2 among MSM in Southwest China was higher than other regions, prevalence of HSV-2 among MSM that recruited from VCT (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) was lower than other ways, respectively. Compared to 2000-2010, the prevalence of HSV-2 among MSM in mainland China showed a downward trend during 2011-2020, however, the difference was not statistically significant .
CONCLUSION
Prevalence of HSV-2 among MSM in China mainland is high, around 0.094. It indicated HSV-2 needed to be screening for MSM population among China mainland and proper actions should be taken to curve the trend of HSV-2 among MSM in China. Trial registration CRD42020180361.
Topics: Humans; Male; China; Glycoproteins; Herpesvirus 2, Human; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Prevalence; Sexual and Gender Minorities
PubMed: 36182910
DOI: 10.1186/s12981-022-00469-w -
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983) Feb 2016A vaccination against herpes zoster and its complication is available in France since June 2015. Its exact benefit for public health is still controversial and its level... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
A vaccination against herpes zoster and its complication is available in France since June 2015. Its exact benefit for public health is still controversial and its level of protection is not optimal. All those reasons seem to suggest a low acceptation rate from general practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness, the safety, and the cost/benefit ratio of the vaccination against herpes zoster in people aged 50 year or over.
DOCUMENTARY SOURCE
Systematic review in Medline and PubMed with research by key words: "herpes zoster vaccine", "zoster vaccine" and "post herpetic neuralgia vaccine".
SELECTION OF STUDIES
Randomized and observational studies published in English and French language have been selected by two readers.
RESULTS
On 1886 articles identified, 62 studies were included in this systematic review of which 21 randomized trials, 21 observational studies, and 17 medico-economic studies concerned the unadjuvanted vaccine. Considered studies showed an effectiveness of 50% against herpes zoster and 60% on post-herpetic neuralgia incidence of the unadjuvanted vaccine. Five randomized controlled studies were identified for the adjuvanted vaccine. The overall effectiveness of this vaccine was > 90% whatever the age of subjects including those over age 70 and 80. The medico-economic studies conducted in many countries have shown that vaccine policies were beneficial in individuals aged 60 years or over.
LIMITATION OF THE WORK
Most of data of effectiveness, and tolerance result from 2 large controlled studies only (SPS and ZEST) for the unadjuvanted vaccine and only one for the adjuvanted vaccine.
CONCLUSION
Despite controversy and few uncertainties, the vaccine significantly reduces herpes zoster and its complication incidence. In terms of public health objectives, it reduces the burden of the disease and has a positive medico-economic impact. Preliminary data concerning the adjuvanted vaccine, whilst very promising, are still too limited. Up to now, no group of people with particularly high risk of herpes zoster-related complication who will beneficiate the most of the vaccination has been identified yet and only an age criteria has been considered for the recommendation.
Topics: Aged; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Middle Aged; Observational Studies as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 26724874
DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2015.10.015