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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 -
The Journal of Craniofacial SurgeryTo investigate the anatomical, pathogenetic, and pharmacological characteristics of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO)- related ophthalmoplegia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the anatomical, pathogenetic, and pharmacological characteristics of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO)- related ophthalmoplegia.
METHODS
Case report-based systematic review was performed.
RESULTS
This study included 96 patients (54 [56.25%] women and 42 [43.75%] men [P = 0.221]). The mean age at presentation was 64.32 ± 17.48 years. All the patients included in the study had HZO- related ophthalmoplegia, with rash presenting as initial symptom in 87 (90.62%) cases, and diplopia in 9 (9.38%) cases. Thirty-seven (38.54%) patients achieved complete recovery, whereas 59 (61.46%) patients had permanent ophthalmoplegia. Females recovered in 26/54 cases and males in 11/42 cases (P = 0.028). Recovery rates after peroral versus intravenous antivirals (15/38 versus 19/46) and > 10 days versus ≤10 days antiviral treatment (22/54 versus 12/30) did not significantly differ ( P = 0.865 and P = 0.947, respectively). immunocompetent patients treated with corticosteroids had significantly better recovery rates compared to immunodeficient counterparts (17/34 [50.00%] and 5/22 [22.73%], respectively [ P = 0.041]).
CONCLUSIONS
The outcome of HZO-related ophthalmoplegia is associated with gender, immune status, corticosteroid use, and time of antiviral treatment initiation.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Ophthalmoplegia; Antiviral Agents; Diplopia
PubMed: 35275867
DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000008631 -
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) May 2022In previously healthy subjects, primary varicella presents with a distinctive vesicular rash that is more intense on the trunk and head than on the extremities. However,... (Review)
Review
AIM
In previously healthy subjects, primary varicella presents with a distinctive vesicular rash that is more intense on the trunk and head than on the extremities. However, an atypical presentation may occasionally develop. We aimed at systematically assessing the characteristics of cases affected by atypical primary varicella rash.
METHODS
The United States National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Medica and Web of Science databases were reviewed, without date or language restrictions. Articles were eligible if reporting previously healthy and immunocompetent subjects with a primary varicella rash (i.e., a photo-localised primary varicella or skin inflammation-associated primary varicella).
RESULTS
Thirty-eight reports providing information on 59 cases of atypical primary varicella were identified. Twenty-four cases (median 8.5 years of age, 19 females) were photo-localised and 35 (median 4.8 years of age, 15 females) were associated with pre-existing skin inflammation (including cast occlusion, diaper irritation, operative sites, burns, insect bites, vaccinations or pre-existing skin disease). The skin rash was monomorphic and without a "starry sky" appearance.
CONCLUSION
Primary varicella may have a modified presentation in areas of irritation such as sun exposure or pre-existing inflammation. There is a need for a wider awareness of these modulators of varicella rash.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Chickenpox; Exanthema; Female; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Inflammation; Skin; Young Adult
PubMed: 35178772
DOI: 10.1111/apa.16300 -
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 -
Infectious Diseases (London, England) May 2022The number needed to vaccinate (NNV) quantifies the effectiveness of vaccination programs. We summarised the published data on NNV against herpes zoster to inform... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The number needed to vaccinate (NNV) quantifies the effectiveness of vaccination programs. We summarised the published data on NNV against herpes zoster to inform vaccination policies.
METHODS
We systematically identified studies based on a priori established and registered methods. The main outcomes were the NNV against herpes zoster infection, hospitalisation and mortality. Where appropriate, we conducted meta-analyses using inverse variance, random-effects models, pooling estimated NNV with associated 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical heterogeneity between pooled estimates was calculated using the statistic.
RESULTS
Out of 229 unique citations, we included eight nonrandomized studies. Among 50+ year-olds, the NNV against herpes zoster infection using the recombinant subunit vaccine was 11 (95%CI 8-14; = 0%; 3 studies) and variable ( = 94.4%; 7 studies) using live attenuated vaccine, ranging from 10 (95%CI 1-19) to 58 (95%CI 49-67). Among 65+ year-olds, the NNV against herpes zoster infection using the recombinant subunit vaccine was 12 (95%CI: 9-15; = 0%; 2 studies) and variable ( = 98.5%; 4 studies) using live attenuated vaccine, ranging from 14 (95%CI 5-23) to 75 (95%CI 66-84). The NNV against herpes zoster hospitalisation among 65+ year-olds using the live attenuated vaccine was 280 (95%CI 209-352; = 0%; 2 studies). There was a paucity of data to inform other meta-analyses.
CONCLUSION
Evidence on the NNV against herpes zoster is scarce. Vaccination with the recombinant subunit herpes zoster vaccine may be more effective than with the live attenuated vaccine in preventing infection among 50+ year-olds. More studies are needed for a stronger evidence base for decision-making.
Topics: Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Vaccination; Vaccines, Attenuated; Vaccines, Subunit
PubMed: 34962439
DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2021.2018493 -
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 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Jun 2021We conducted a systematic review to characterize the incidence rate of herpes zoster (HZ) in the general population, specifically in individuals ≥50 years of age. A...
We conducted a systematic review to characterize the incidence rate of herpes zoster (HZ) in the general population, specifically in individuals ≥50 years of age. A total of 69 publications were included in the review. We found a cumulative incidence of HZ ranging from 2.9-19.5 cases per 1,000 population and an incidence rate of HZ ranging from 5.23-10.9 cases per 1,000 person-years. The cumulative incidence (3.22-11.2 versus 2.44-8.0 cases per 1,000 population) and incidence rates (6.05-12.8 versus 4.30-8.5 cases per 1,000 person-years) were higher in females than males. Studies revealed a trend of increasing incidence of HZ with increasing age and over time. Variations in incidence estimates can be attributed to the various study designs, case ascertainments, age distributions of the population and year of the study. HZ is associated with a substantial disease burden and is expected to increase due to population aging.
Topics: Age Distribution; Cost of Illness; Female; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Incidence; Male
PubMed: 33651654
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1847582 -
Vaccine Mar 2021Varicella zoster virus (VZV) and its re-emergence as herpes zoster (HZ) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While studies show that VZV vaccination... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) and its re-emergence as herpes zoster (HZ) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While studies show that VZV vaccination is effective in reducing VZV incidence, many decision makers have not added VZV to their vaccination schedule, largely due to uncertainty surrounding the effect of VZV vaccination on HZ incidence (exogenous boosting, EB), and the cost-effectiveness (CE) of vaccination.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted to identify the current published evidence of CE of VZV vaccination strategies where both VZV and HZ incidence were modelled.
RESULTS
Six studies (one published in 2003 and five between 2010 and 2019), were identified with all conducting cost-utility analysis using a dynamic transmission modelling approach and assuming EB. All predicted that mass infant VZV vaccination would rapidly reduce VZV incidence, but HZ incidence would increase. Compared with no-vaccination, the CE of VZV vaccination strategies ranged from higher costs and poorer outcomes (dominated), towards CE (incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of between $7,000 to $61,000 USD), or lower cost and better outcomes (dominant). However, without EB, HZ incidence immediately dropped below pre-vaccination levels making VZV vaccination quickly CE and/or dominant to a no vaccination strategy.
CONCLUSIONS
Current models are sensitive to assumptions of EB suggesting that future studies consider an agent-based modelling approach to address the individual nature of variables that determine the infectiousness of VZV.
Topics: Chickenpox; Chickenpox Vaccine; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Infant; Vaccination
PubMed: 33551300
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.01.061 -
Vaccine Sep 2020The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is indicated for prevention of herpes zoster (HZ) in adults aged ≥50 years. Questions regarding the use of RZV in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is indicated for prevention of herpes zoster (HZ) in adults aged ≥50 years. Questions regarding the use of RZV in immunocompromised patients < 50-year-old, who are at increased risk for HZ, were raised.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this systematic review was to consolidate existing evidences on safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of RZV in immunocompromised adults aged 18-49 years.
METHODS
Four databases were searched. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines were followed. Screening and classification of search items was performed using the web-based platform DistillerSR.
RESULTS
The search identified 1389 potentially relevant records. Six studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. The proportion of patients aged 18-49 varied between 23 and 62%. Pain at injection site (98.6%) and fatigue (75.3%) were the most common adverse events. The proportion of patients reporting serious adverse events (SAEs) ranged between 8.1 and 30.8% in RZV and between 4.1 and 36.5% in placebo groups. SAEs deemed related to vaccination were reported in < 1% of patients in both RZV and placebo groups. The proportion of patients that experienced clinically significant underlying disease-related events ranged between 0.0 and 20.0% in RZV and 0.0 and 26.7% in placebo groups. The humoral and cell-mediated immune response rate ranged between 65.4 and 96.2% and 50.0-93.0%, respectively. Vaccine efficacy in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients was 72% (95%CI, 39-88%) in 18-49-year-olds and 67% (95%CI, 53-78%) in ≥ 50-year-olds (median follow-up 21 months). Vaccine efficacy in ≥ 18-year-old patients with hematologic malignancies was estimated at 87.2% (95%CI, 44.3-98.6%) up to 13 months post-vaccination.
CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that RZV has an acceptable safety profile and induces immunity in an important proportion of ≥ 18-year-old immunocompromised patients. Longer follow-up studies are warranted to assess the duration of RZV induced immunity in immunocompromised patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Middle Aged; Vaccines, Synthetic; Young Adult
PubMed: 32788132
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.07.049 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2019Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a neurocutaneous disease caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes varicella (chickenpox). After resolution of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a neurocutaneous disease caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes varicella (chickenpox). After resolution of the varicella episode, the virus can remain latent in the sensitive dorsal ganglia of the spine. Years later, with declining immunity, the varicella zoster virus (VZV) can reactivate and cause herpes zoster, an extremely painful condition that can last many weeks or months and significantly compromise the quality of life of the affected person. The natural process of aging is associated with a reduction in cellular immunity, and this predisposes older people to herpes zoster. Vaccination with an attenuated form of the VZV activates specific T-cell production avoiding viral reactivation. The USA Food and Drug Administration has approved a herpes zoster vaccine with an attenuated active virus, live zoster vaccine (LZV), for clinical use amongst older adults, which has been tested in large populations. A new adjuvanted recombinant VZV subunit zoster vaccine, recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), has also been approved. It consists of recombinant VZV glycoprotein E and a liposome-based AS01B adjuvant system. This is an update of a Cochrane Review last updated in 2016.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vaccination for preventing herpes zoster in older adults.
SEARCH METHODS
For this 2019 update, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, Issue 1, January 2019), MEDLINE (1948 to January 2019), Embase (2010 to January 2019), CINAHL (1981 to January 2019), LILACS (1982 to January 2019), WHO ICTRP (on 31 January 2019) and ClinicalTrials.gov (on 31 January 2019).
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs comparing zoster vaccine (any dose and potency) versus any other type of intervention (e.g. varicella vaccine, antiviral medication), placebo, or no intervention (no vaccine). Outcomes were incidence of herpes zoster, adverse events (death, serious adverse events, systemic reactions, or local reaction occurring at any time after vaccination), and dropouts.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 11 new studies involving 18,615 participants in this update. The review now includes a total of 24 studies involving 88,531 participants. Only three studies assessed the incidence of herpes zoster in groups that received vaccines versus placebo. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries in Europe and North America and included healthy Caucasians (understood to be white participants) aged 60 years or over with no immunosuppressive comorbidities. Two studies were conducted in Japan. Fifteen studies used LZV. Nine studies tested an RZV. The overall quality of the evidence was moderate. Most data for the primary outcome (incidence of herpes zoster) and secondary outcomes (adverse events and dropouts) came from studies that had a low risk of bias and included a large number of participants. The incidence of herpes zoster at up to three years follow-up was lower in participants who received the LZV (one dose subcutaneously) than in those who received placebo (risk ratio (RR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43 to 0.56; risk difference (RD) 2%; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 50; moderate-quality evidence) in the largest study, which included 38,546 participants. There were no differences between the vaccinated and placebo groups for serious adverse events (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.21) or deaths (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.11; moderate-quality evidence). The vaccinated group had a higher incidence of one or more adverse events (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.11; RD 23%; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 4.3) and injection site adverse events (RR 3.73, 95% CI 1.93 to 7.21; RD 28%; NNTH 3.6) of mild to moderate intensity (moderate-quality evidence). These data came from four studies with 6980 participants aged 60 years or over. Two studies (29,311 participants for safety evaluation and 22,022 participants for efficacy evaluation) compared RZV (two doses intramuscularly, two months apart) versus placebo. Participants who received the new vaccine had a lower incidence of herpes zoster at 3.2 years follow-up (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.23; RD 3%; NNTB 33; moderate-quality evidence). There were no differences between the vaccinated and placebo groups in incidence of serious adverse events (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.03) or deaths (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.04; moderate-quality evidence). The vaccinated group had a higher incidence of adverse events, any systemic symptom (RR 2.23, 95% CI 2.12 to 2.34; RD 33%; NNTH 3.0), and any local symptom (RR 6.89, 95% CI 6.37 to 7.45; RD 67%; NNTH 1.5). Although most participants reported that there symptoms were of mild to moderate intensity, the risk of dropouts (participants not returning for the second dose, two months after the first dose) was higher in the vaccine group than in the placebo group (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.39; RD 1%; NNTH 100, moderate-quality evidence). Only one study reported funding from a non-commercial source (a university research foundation). All of the other included studies received funding from pharmaceutical companies. We did not conduct subgroup and sensitivity analyses AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: LZV and RZV are effective in preventing herpes zoster disease for up to three years (the main studies did not follow participants for more than three years). To date, there are no data to recommend revaccination after receiving the basic schedule for each type of vaccine. Both vaccines produce systemic and injection site adverse events of mild to moderate intensity.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antiviral Agents; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vaccination; Vaccines, Attenuated
PubMed: 31696946
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008858.pub4