BACKGROUND: Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus in sensory neurons to cause herpes zoster (shingles) is common in adults 50 years of age and older; half of adults experience an episode by age 85 years. Herpes zoster is attributable to the progressive decline in the VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity that occurs with aging or other conditions that cause immune compromise. Herpes zoster and complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), can have a substantial negative impact on quality of life. DISCUSSION: The incidence of herpes zoster and its associated morbidity is increasing worldwide as the population ages. Nevertheless, the severity and impact of this condition, and its painful sequelae, are often unrecognized. Many patients delay seeking medical attention, complicating both diagnosis and treatment. Prevention appears to be the best option. A new herpes zoster vaccine significantly reduced the burden of illness (61.1%), the incidence of PHN (66.5%), and the incidence of herpes zoster (51.3%) (p < 0.001). Vaccine tolerability was good, with minor local injection site reactions the most common adverse event. CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster and PHN represent a substantial burden in terms of suffering and associated costs. Immunization of older adults is a good option to prevent herpes zoster and PHN.
BACKGROUND: Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus in sensory neurons to cause herpes zoster (shingles) is common in adults 50 years of age and older; half of adults experience an episode by age 85 years. Herpes zoster is attributable to the progressive decline in the VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity that occurs with aging or other conditions that cause immune compromise. Herpes zoster and complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), can have a substantial negative impact on quality of life. DISCUSSION: The incidence of herpes zoster and its associated morbidity is increasing worldwide as the population ages. Nevertheless, the severity and impact of this condition, and its painful sequelae, are often unrecognized. Many patients delay seeking medical attention, complicating both diagnosis and treatment. Prevention appears to be the best option. A new herpes zoster vaccine significantly reduced the burden of illness (61.1%), the incidence of PHN (66.5%), and the incidence of herpes zoster (51.3%) (p < 0.001). Vaccine tolerability was good, with minor local injection site reactions the most common adverse event. CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster and PHN represent a substantial burden in terms of suffering and associated costs. Immunization of older adults is a good option to prevent herpes zoster and PHN.
Authors: Alies van Lier; Albert Jan van Hoek; Wim Opstelten; Hein J Boot; Hester E de Melker Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2010-08-13 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Robert W Johnson; Didier Bouhassira; George Kassianos; Alain Leplège; Kenneth E Schmader; Thomas Weinke Journal: BMC Med Date: 2010-06-21 Impact factor: 8.775
Authors: Renske Eilers; Paul F M Krabbe; Ted G A van Essen; Anita Suijkerbuijk; Alies van Lier; Hester E de Melker Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2013-04-15 Impact factor: 3.921
Authors: Mélanie Drolet; Michael N Oxman; Myron J Levin; Kenneth E Schmader; Robert W Johnson; David Patrick; James A Mansi; Marc Brisson Journal: Hum Vaccin Immunother Date: 2013-01-16 Impact factor: 3.452