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Herpes zoster and multiple sclerosis.
1Section of Neurology, University of Manitoba and Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experience herpes zoster (HZ) more frequently and at an earlier age than the general population, suggesting a unique link between MS and the varicella zoster virus (VZV).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Clinical observations suggest an increased incidence and earlier onset of herpes zoster (HZ) in young multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- Existing evidence points to a potential relationship between varicella zoster virus (VZV) and MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between multiple sclerosis and herpes zoster.
- To determine if MS patients experience HZ more frequently or at an earlier age compared to control groups.
Main Methods:
- A survey was mailed to 829 members of the Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Society's Manitoba Chapter, with 633 (76%) responding.
- Data collected included age at MS diagnosis, HZ history (presence, number of episodes, age of occurrence), date of birth, and sex.
- Control groups included patients with other neurological diseases (OND) and population/practice-based HZ surveys.
Main Results:
- The rate of HZ among MS patients was 16.8% (106/633), significantly higher than in the general population (5.4%) or OND controls (6.8%).
- HZ occurred at a younger age in the MS group, with a majority of male patients experiencing it before their MS diagnosis.
- Recurrent HZ episodes were also more common in the MS group.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a unique association between multiple sclerosis and the herpes zoster virus.
- This study contributes to the growing evidence linking VZV infection patterns with MS prevalence and presentation.