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Preventing varicella-zoster disease.
Sophie Hambleton1, Anne A Gershon
1Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 650 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|January 18, 2005
Summary
The Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine has reduced chickenpox and shingles. However, latent VZV remains a threat, necessitating future vaccination strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles.
- Mass vaccination in the US began in 1995, significantly reducing VZV incidence.
- The Oka vaccine is safe, immunogenic, and offers short-to-medium term protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term impact of VZV vaccination.
- To evaluate the continuing threat posed by latent wild-type VZV.
- To explore the need for novel vaccination strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of VZV epidemiology and vaccine effectiveness data.
- Analysis of VZV latency and reactivation patterns.
- Epidemiological modeling of VZV transmission dynamics.
Main Results:
- The Oka vaccine has been highly effective in reducing varicella, particularly severe cases.
- A substantial reservoir of latent wild-type VZV persists in the population.
- Short-to-medium term protection is good, but long-term VZV challenges remain.
Conclusions:
- While VZV vaccination has been successful, latent virus poses an ongoing risk.
- Current vaccination strategies may require future adaptation.
- New approaches to VZV prevention are likely necessary to address long-term public health challenges.