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BMC Infectious Diseases Apr 2013Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and mainly affects individuals aged ≥50 years. The forthcoming European launch of a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and mainly affects individuals aged ≥50 years. The forthcoming European launch of a vaccine against HZ (Zostavax®) prompts the need for a better understanding of the epidemiology of HZ in Europe. Therefore the aim of this systematic review was to summarize the available data on HZ incidence in Europe and to describe age-specific incidence.
METHODS
The Medline database of the National Library of Medicine was used to conduct a comprehensive literature search of population-based studies of HZ incidence published between 1960 and 2010 carried out in the 27 member countries of the European Union, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. The identified articles were reviewed and scored according to a reading grid including various quality criteria, and HZ incidence data were extracted and presented by country.
RESULTS
The search identified 21 studies, and revealed a similar annual HZ incidence throughout Europe, varying by country from 2.0 to 4.6/1 000 person-years with no clearly observed geographic trend. Despite the fact that age groups differed from one study to another, age-specific HZ incidence rates seemed to hold steady during the review period, at around 1/1 000 children <10 years, around 2/1 000 adults aged <40 years, and around 1-4/1 000 adults aged 40-50 years. They then increased rapidly after age 50 years to around 7-8/1 000, up to 10/1 000 after 80 years of age. Our review confirms that in Europe HZ incidence increases with age, and quite drastically after 50 years of age. In all of the 21 studies included in the present review, incidence rates were higher among women than men, and this difference increased with age. This review also highlights the need to identify standardized surveillance methods to improve the comparability of data within European Union Member States and to monitor the impact of VZV immunization on the epidemiology of HZ.
CONCLUSIONS
Available data in Europe have shortcomings which make an accurate assessment of HZ incidence and change over time impossible. However, data are indicative that HZ incidence is comparable, and increases with age in the same proportion across Europe.
Topics: Age Factors; Europe; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Incidence
PubMed: 23574765
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-170 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2014The prevention of varicella (chickenpox) using live attenuated varicella vaccines has been demonstrated both in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The prevention of varicella (chickenpox) using live attenuated varicella vaccines has been demonstrated both in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and in population-based immunisation programmes in countries such as the United States and Australia. Many countries do not routinely immunise children against varicella and exposures continue to occur. Although the disease is often mild, complications such as secondary bacterial infection, pneumonitis and encephalitis occur in about 1% of cases, usually leading to hospitalisation. The use of varicella vaccine in persons who have recently been exposed to the varicella zoster virus has been studied as a form of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and safety of vaccines for use as PEP for the prevention of varicella in children and adults.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL (2014, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1966 to March week 1, 2014), EMBASE (January 1990 to March 2014) and LILACS (1982 to March 2014). We searched for unpublished trials registered on the clinicaltrials.gov and WHO ICTRP websites.
SELECTION CRITERIA
RCTs and quasi-RCTs of varicella vaccine for PEP compared with placebo or no intervention. The outcome measures were efficacy in prevention of clinical cases and/or laboratory-confirmed clinical cases and adverse events following vaccination.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted and analysed data using Review Manager software.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified three trials involving 110 healthy children who were siblings of household contacts. The included trials varied in study quality, vaccine used, length of follow-up and outcomes measured and, as such, were not suitable for meta-analysis. We identified high or unclear risk of bias in two of the three included studies. Overall, 13 out of 56 vaccine recipients (23%) developed varicella compared with 42 out of 54 placebo (or no vaccine) recipients (78%). Of the vaccine recipients who developed varicella, the majority only had mild disease (with fewer than 50 skin lesions). In the three trials, most participants received PEP within three days following exposure; too few participants were vaccinated four to five days post-exposure to ascertain the efficacy of vaccine given more than three days after exposure. No included trial reported on adverse events following immunisation.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
These small trials suggest varicella vaccine administered within three days to children following household contact with a varicella case reduces infection rates and severity of cases. We identified no RCTs for adolescents or adults. Safety was not adequately addressed.
Topics: Adult; Chickenpox; Chickenpox Vaccine; Child; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vaccines, Attenuated
PubMed: 24954057
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001833.pub3 -
AIDS (London, England) Jun 2018Our objective was to assess the population-level association between herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) and HIV prevalence. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Our objective was to assess the population-level association between herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) and HIV prevalence.
METHODS
Reports of HSV-2 and HIV prevalence were systematically reviewed and synthesized following PRISMA guidelines. Spearman rank correlation ((Equation is included in full-text article.)) was used to assess correlations. Risk ratios (RRHSV-2/HIV) and odds ratios (ORHSV-2/HIV) were used to assess HSV-2/HIV epidemiologic overlap. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
In total, 939 matched HSV-2/HIV prevalence measures were identified from 77 countries. HSV-2 prevalence was consistently higher than HIV prevalence. Strong HSV-2/HIV prevalence association was found for all data ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.6, P < 0.001), all data excluding people who inject drugs (PWID) and children ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.7, P < 0.001), female sex workers ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.5, P < 0.001), and MSM ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.7, P < 0.001). No association was found for PWID ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.2, P = 0.222) and children ((Equation is included in full-text article.) = 0.3, P = 0.082). A threshold effect was apparent where HIV prevalence was limited at HSV-2 prevalence less than 20%, but grew steadily with HSV-2 prevalence for HSV-2 prevalence greater than 20%. The overall pooled mean RRHSV-2/HIV was 5.0 (95% CI 4.7-5.3) and ORHSV-2/HIV was 9.0 (95% CI 8.4-9.7). The RRHSV-2/HIV and ORHSV-2/HIV showed similar patterns that conveyed inferences about HSV-2 and HIV epidemiology.
CONCLUSION
HSV-2 and HIV prevalence are strongly associated. HSV-2 prevalence can be used as a proxy 'biomarker' of HIV epidemic potential, acting as a 'temperature scale' of the intensity of sexual risk behavior that drive HIV transmission. HSV-2 prevalence can be used to identify populations and/or sexual networks at high-risk of future HIV expansion, and help prioritization, optimization, and resource allocation of cost-effective prevention interventions.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Coinfection; Female; HIV; HIV Infections; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Young Adult
PubMed: 29794495
DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000001828 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Italian Journal of Pediatrics Jun 2014Acute cerebellitis (AC) is the most common neurological complication of varicella. Nevertheless, it has been scarcely studied. The objective of this study were to asses... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Acute cerebellitis (AC) is the most common neurological complication of varicella. Nevertheless, it has been scarcely studied. The objective of this study were to asses the occurrence of AC among children hospitalized for varicella and to analyze its specific clinical picture and outcome.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children admitted to the hospital for varicella between 1st October 2003 and 1st June 2013 and we compared our results with literature. Children were all unvaccinated for varicella.
RESULTS
In our case series, AC was found out in 48 out of 457 patients (10.5%). The highest frequency of AC was observed in children from 1 to 5 years of age (60.9%). The most characteristic symptom of AC was a broad-based gait disturbance that progressed gradually over the course of a few days (95.8%). Other common symptoms included slurred speech (37.5%), vomiting (31.25%), headache (29.16%), dysmetry (25%) and tremor (22.91%). After a long hospitalization (median of 11 days), all but one children were dismissed without invalidating sequelae.
CONCLUSIONS
Data from this study may help to better address the problem of varicella cerebellar complications in hospitalized children and to monitor changes over time caused by an increase in vaccination coverage.
Topics: Acute Disease; Cerebellar Diseases; Chickenpox; Chickenpox Vaccine; Child; Global Health; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Incidence; Vaccination
PubMed: 24942129
DOI: 10.1186/1824-7288-40-57 -
Journal of the Pediatric Infectious... Jun 2015Jewish ritual circumcision rarely but occasionally includes a procedure involving direct oral suction of the wound, which can expose an infant to infection with herpes... (Review)
Review
Jewish ritual circumcision rarely but occasionally includes a procedure involving direct oral suction of the wound, which can expose an infant to infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This practice has provoked international controversy in recent years, but no systematic review of the clinical literature has previously been published. We designed this review to identify and synthesize all published studies examining the association between circumcision with direct oral suction and HSV-1 infection. Our search strategy identified 6 published case series or case reports, documenting 30 cases between 1988 and 2012. Clinical findings were consistent with transmission of infection during circumcision, although the evidence base is limited by the small number of infections and incomplete case data. Published evidence suggests that circumcision with direct oral suction has resulted in severe neonatal illness and death from HSV-1 transmission, but further research is necessary to clarify the risk of infection.
Topics: Ceremonial Behavior; Circumcision, Male; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Jews; Judaism; Male; Risk Assessment; Suction
PubMed: 26407411
DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piu075