Search

A case report from Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine discusses a 25-year-old woman with atypical hand herpes zoster, a rare skin disease often misdiagnosed as hand eczema. The patient received thread fragrant moxibustion treatment, which resulted in significant improvement in symptoms and skin condition. The study highlights the challenges of diagnosing herpes zoster in unusual locations and the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine in treating the condition. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences focused on herpes zoster ophthalmicus, specifically examining a case involving acute retrobulbar optic neuritis and abducens nerve palsy. The research highlighted the rare occurrence of optic nerve involvement with sixth nerve palsy in cases of ocular herpes zoster, which was successfully treated with corticosteroids and valacyclovir. This case report provides valuable insights into the complexities of herpes zoster ophthalmicus and its potential complications, offering important information for medical professionals and researchers in the field. [Extracted from the article]

The research from Huazhong University of Science and Technology focuses on post-marketing safety surveillance for the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) to prevent herpes zoster and its complications in older adults. The study analyzed adverse event reports submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the United States from October 2017 to April 2024. The findings indicated that the safety profile of the vaccine was reassuring and consistent with clinical trials, with most adverse events being non-serious and commonly reported side effects including injection site reactions, pyrexia, chills, headache, and fatigue. Further studies are recommended to continue generating real-world safety data. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the Department of Ophthalmology in Mie, Japan, focused on a case of repeated tube exposure in a patient with neovascular glaucoma after Ahmed valve implantation, due to masked herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). The patient's intraocular pressure (IOP) was controlled by resuming antiviral treatment and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections. The research highlights the importance of considering varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation in cases of tube exposure post-surgery in eyes with neovascular glaucoma. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Benemerita Autonomous University of Puebla conducted a study on the uncommon presentation of simultaneous Herpes Zoster infection in immunocompetent patients. The study highlighted cases of patients with atypical symptoms and no history of immunosuppression, who responded well to treatment with Acyclovir. This research sheds light on the importance of considering such cases in medical literature, especially in light of recent reports. For more information, readers can refer to the International Journal of Medical Students. [Extracted from the article]

A recent case report from the Second Hospital of Nanjing in China highlighted the rare occurrence of varicella-zoster virus-related cerebral infarction in an AIDS patient. The 33-year-old male patient experienced multiple hospitalizations for neurological complications associated with VZV, ultimately leading to limb paralysis and aphasia. The case underscores the importance of early diagnosis, aggressive management, and continuous monitoring of neurological symptoms in AIDS patients with VZV infection to reduce long-term disability and mortality. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Second Affiliated Hospital in Xi'an, China, focused on varicella zoster virus-related encephalitis (VZV-RE), a rare condition often misdiagnosed, leading to poor prognosis. The researchers used metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to detect and identify the VZV pathogen in cerebrospinal fluid samples, aiding in definitive diagnosis. The study analyzed 28 patients with VZV-RE, highlighting various clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes, emphasizing the importance of mNGS in diagnosing VZV central nervous system infections when traditional methods yield negative results. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Poland by researchers from the School of Public Health focused on public awareness and willingness to vaccinate against the Herpes Zoster virus. The study found that only 47% of respondents were aware of the vaccine, with television being the primary source of information. Factors such as chronic disease status and financial status were associated with awareness and willingness to vaccinate. The researchers concluded that there are significant gaps in public awareness and vaccination rates, suggesting the need for targeted media campaigns and improved access to increase vaccination rates. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Graduate School of Medicine in Osaka, Japan, have conducted a study on the immune response to an adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving upadacitinib. The study aims to examine the effectiveness of the vaccine in this specific population. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and short observation period, the study provides evidence on the effectiveness and tolerability of the vaccine in Japanese patients with RA receiving upadacitinib. For more information, readers can refer to the Journal of Clinical Medicine. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Peking University conducted a cross-sectional survey in China to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to herpes zoster (HZ) among the general population, HZ patients, and dermatologists. The study revealed gaps in understanding about the severity, transmission, and prevention of HZ across all groups, highlighting the importance of education and awareness. The research suggests that doctors play a crucial role in supporting HZ prevention initiatives, as most individuals found vaccination more acceptable if recommended by a healthcare professional. This study provides valuable insights for the development of targeted educational interventions and public health strategies against HZ in China. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Hebei University in China discusses the challenges of managing herpes zoster-associated pain and highlights emerging non-oral pharmacological interventions such as autologous platelet-rich plasma and sympathetic nerve block. These new therapeutic options offer hope for more effective treatment with less trauma and quicker recovery. The research provides a valuable review of current studies on non-oral drug therapy for herpes zoster-related pain, offering insights into efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms for clinical treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Sri Ramachandra Medical College discusses a rare case of Ogilvie syndrome induced by herpes zoster virus, also known as shingles. The condition, characterized by colonic dilation without mechanical obstruction, is believed to be triggered by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The study emphasizes the importance of early recognition and treatment of herpes zoster to prevent unnecessary surgical intervention. For more information, the full article can be accessed through PARIPEX INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH. [Extracted from the article]

A meta-analysis conducted by researchers at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine examined the efficacy and safety of brivudine in treating herpes zoster (HZ). The study, which included seven randomized controlled trials, found that brivudine was more effective than the control group in terms of efficacy and reducing the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia. However, the analysis also noted that the evidence on the safety of brivudine was insufficient. This research sheds light on the potential benefits of brivudine in HZ treatment, but further studies are needed to fully understand its safety profile. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Antai Medical Care Corporation Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital in Taiwan explored the association between organic erectile dysfunction (OED) and the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in men. The study found that men with OED had a significantly higher risk of developing HZ and PHN compared to those without OED. The research suggests that OED may serve as a warning sign for individuals at risk of HZ. The study was published in The Aging Male journal and can be accessed for further information. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Yaroslavl State Medical University have reported findings on the nature of central nervous system lesions caused by Varicella Zoster virus infections. The study analyzed 47 patients treated at the Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital of Yaroslavl, revealing that Varicella Zoster virus can lead to meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and encephalitis. The research highlighted the medical and social significance of these central nervous system disorders, with no reported deaths among the patients studied. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital in Dongying, China, highlights the complexity and diversity of clinical manifestations of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), a condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The study aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of HZO to reduce visual damage and provide evidence for precise care. Researchers emphasize the importance of recognizing the varied symptoms of HZO to prevent missed or incorrect diagnoses, ultimately enhancing patients' quality of life. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Keio University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, have conducted a study on the optimal timing of recombinant herpes zoster virus vaccination for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are undergoing JAK inhibitor treatment. The study aims to measure varicella zoster virus-specific IgG titers and T cell response in these patients. The research, funded by Pfizer Japan, involves a multicenter, open-label, randomized comparative study with 60 study subjects. The primary endpoint is to compare VZV-specific IgG antibody titers at week 12 with those at baseline in each group. The study has been approved by the Certified Review Board of Keio and follows ethical guidelines. [Extracted from the article]

The research conducted at Technical University Munich (TU Munich) focused on analyzing health claims data to assess vaccination coverage for Influenza, Pneumococcus, and Herpes zoster among older adults in Bavaria, Germany. The study found that vaccination rates for these diseases increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a subsequent decrease in Influenza coverage in 2021. The researchers concluded that efforts are needed to sustain and increase vaccination rates as the pandemic effect wanes. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Peking University in China aimed to understand the preferences and willingness to pay for herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination among Chinese urban adults. The research found that factors such as vaccine effectiveness, protection duration, risk of side effects, place of origin, and cost influenced residents' preferences for HZ vaccination. Chinese adults were willing to pay CN ¥974 (US $145) to increase vaccine effectiveness from 45% to 90%, indicating a strong emphasis on vaccine efficacy. The study concluded that promoting vaccine effectiveness could maximize HZ vaccine uptake among Chinese adults. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Yamaguchi University conducted a retrospective case series study on 26 patients with herpes zoster virus and neurological complications. The study found a variety of neurological phenotypes associated with the virus, including monoparesis, meningitis, encephalitis, and other issues. The research highlighted the severity and diversity of neurological complications related to herpes zoster, emphasizing the importance of understanding the distribution of the virus for better outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Andalas University have released new data on Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a late complication of Varicella-Zoster Virus infection that causes inflammation of the geniculate ganglion of cranial nerve VII. The syndrome presents with ipsilateral facial paralysis, otalgia, and vesicular rash. Treatment involves antiviral therapy, high doses of corticosteroids, and physiotherapy. For more information, readers can refer to the article "Facial Nerve Paresis in Ramsay Hunt Syndrome" published in Majalah Kedokteran Andalas. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Nagasaki University Hospital in Japan have reported rare cases of right-sided Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus complicated by bilateral third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerve palsies, along with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH). An 80-year-old Japanese woman developed these complications during treatment for HZO, with the cranial nerve palsies resolving spontaneously within a few months. This study sheds light on the pathogenesis of these conditions and provides valuable insights into the management of such cases. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at United Christian Hospital conducted a study on the awareness of Herpes Zoster infection in patients with rheumatic diseases taking JAK inhibitors. The study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Spondyloarthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis who were receiving JAK inhibitor treatments were at an increased risk of Herpes Zoster infection. The research highlighted a critical gap in patient knowledge about Herpes Zoster prevention and management, emphasizing the need for enhanced patient education on the risks, vaccination, and self-management strategies. The study involved interviews with 52 patients, revealing varying responses to managing Herpes Zoster infections among the participants. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital in China focused on analyzing the genotypes of the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in Jiangsu province to identify vaccine strains and wild strains. The research found that the prevalent VZV genotypes in Jiangsu are Clade 2, with the primary wild strain observed being mainly PstI (+), BglI (+), SmaI (-). The study provides valuable molecular biological background for the effective prevention and control of varicella in the region. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the University of Napoli highlights the organizational barriers to herpes zoster vaccination uptake in Europe, particularly among frail individuals and those aged 50 and older. The research identifies challenges such as cost management, vaccine storage requirements, supply limitations, and healthcare system deficiencies that hinder vaccination uptake. The study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions to address these barriers and increase vaccination rates to reduce the public health burden associated with herpes zoster. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Leon have conducted a study on the immunogenicity of a new herpes zoster recombinant subunit vaccine in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRDs) who are being treated with JAK inhibitors. The study found that patients with IMRDs treated with JAK inhibitors showed reduced immune responses compared to healthy controls, indicating a potential decrease in protection against herpes zoster infection and reactivation. This research provides valuable insights into the impact of the vaccine on adaptive humoral and cellular immune responses in this specific patient population. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Xiangya Hospital 3 in Hunan, China, focused on using Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) for the early diagnosis of Herpes Zoster (HZ) infection. The research found that RCM could effectively identify specific features of HZ lesions, such as edema of the spinous layer and ballooning multinucleated giant cells, aiding in early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease progression. The study concluded that RCM is a non-invasive, rapid, and convenient method with significant potential in the diagnosis and management of HZ. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a randomized, double-blind Phase III clinical trial evaluating the lot-to-lot consistency of three consecutive batches of recombinant herpes zoster vaccine (CHO cell) in subjects aged 40 years and older. The trial aims to assess the consistency of the vaccine's production lots and their impact on subjects after receiving two doses on a 0, 2-month schedule. The study involves 1200 subjects and focuses on measuring anti-gE antibody levels and monitoring adverse events following vaccination. The trial is set to be completed by May 1, 2025, and is being conducted in China. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology have published new data on vaccination against Herpes zoster in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IIRD). The study highlights that individuals with IIRD are more susceptible to developing Herpes zoster compared to the general population. The research discusses the use of live attenuated vaccines and inactivated recombinant vaccines with adjuvant to prevent the disease and its complications, emphasizing the advantages of the inactivated recombinant adjuvant vaccine in patients undergoing anti-rheumatic therapy. The review focuses on analyzing foreign studies on the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the recombinant adjuvant vaccine against Herpes zoster in patients with IIRD. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study led by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and NYU Langone Health found that long-term use of antiviral medication can prevent vision damage associated with ocular shingles. Ocular shingles affects nearly 100,000 people in the US each year and can lead to serious eye complications. The study showed that using the antiviral valacyclovir for a year reduced the risk of new or worsening eye disease by 26% and decreased the likelihood of multiple flare-ups. The findings suggest a promising treatment option for preventing vision loss in patients with ocular shingles. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology's annual meeting suggests that long-term, low-dose antiviral treatment can benefit patients with eye disease and pain from shingles. The research, part of the Zoster Eye Disease Study, showed that participants treated with valacyclovir experienced a reduction in the risk of new or worsening eye disease and needed less neuropathic pain medication. The study's findings support the use of suppressive valacyclovir to reduce eye disease and pain in patients with shingles, offering a potential new treatment approach for these conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Chi Mei Medical Center in Tainan, Taiwan, examined the effectiveness of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in reducing the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study, which included individuals aged 40 years or older, found that patients who received the RZV had a significantly lower risk of HZ compared to those who were unvaccinated. The research suggests that RZV is effective in reducing HZ risk in COPD patients aged 50 years and older, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in this high-risk group. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review conducted by researchers at China Pharmaceutical University evaluated the pharmacoeconomic research on herpes zoster vaccine administration, focusing on studies from Chinese and English databases. The review found that vaccination with the herpes zoster vaccine was economically beneficial for immunocompetent individuals, with factors such as age, vaccine cost, and vaccination scheme impacting the results. Recommendations were made for further high-quality economic studies on herpes zoster vaccination in China to support evidence-based immunization and prevention efforts. The study was published in Zhongguo gonggong weisheng and can be accessed for further information. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Tengzhou city, China, aimed to investigate the willingness and influencing factors of residents aged 40 years to receive herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination. The research found that while 44.02% of participants were willing to receive the vaccine, only 1.23% had actually received it. Factors influencing willingness included gender, place of residence, occupation, income source, history of HZ disease, perceived severity of HZ, knowledge of the vaccine, vaccination history, and tolerance to vaccine reactions. The study concluded that willingness to receive HZ vaccination is relatively high among residents aged 40 years in Tengzhou city, but the vaccination rate remains low. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia, focused on risk factors and complications in patients with herpes zoster virus. The study found that herpes zoster was more prevalent in females, with hypertension being the most common risk factor and post-herpetic neuralgia the most common complication. The research aimed to improve prevention strategies to reduce the prevalence of herpes zoster patients in the hospital. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Medical University of Bialystok in Poland analyzed the clinical manifestations and outcomes of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) reactivation in the central nervous system (CNS) in immunocompetent children. The study found that VZV, which can cause herpes zoster (HZ), can infrequently manifest as a neuroinfection. The research concluded that neither a history of VZV immunization nor the absence of a skin rash can definitively exclude VZV meningitis, and any seemingly healthy child could develop HZ meningitis. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and treating VZV reactivation in the CNS in children. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, examined the uptake of influenza, pneumococcal, and zoster vaccines among adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study found that the uptake of recommended pneumococcal and zoster vaccines was low among participants with CVD. Factors such as age, being born in Australia, employment or retirement status, and comorbidity were associated with higher rates of influenza vaccination. The researchers concluded that doctors' recommendations, targeted health promotion programs, and easy access to vaccination could improve vaccination rates among patients with CVD. [Extracted from the article]

A case report from Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital in Shandong, China, discusses a rare occurrence of peripheral facial palsy following meningitis caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. The patient, a 54-year-old female, initially presented with headache and fever, and was later diagnosed with VZV-associated meningitis. Treatment with acyclovir, ceftriaxone, mannitol, and methylprednisolone was administered, but the patient developed right peripheral facial palsy 10 days after treatment. The case highlights the complex and varied clinical manifestations of VZV infection, emphasizing the importance of understanding disease progression and treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Nagano Red Cross Hospital in Japan have published a report on the association between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and central nervous system (CNS) complications. The report focuses on a case of transverse myelitis (TM) in a cord blood transplant recipient following EBV reactivation after a herpes zoster infection. The researchers found that intravenous rituximab, a medication used to treat certain autoimmune diseases, was effective in ameliorating EBV reactivation and TM. This study suggests that EBV reactivation may cause TM through immune-mediated mechanisms. [Extracted from the article]