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Published on: September 20, 2021
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Balanitis is a risk factor for herpes zoster
1Department of Medical Education and Research, Puli Christian Hospital, Puli, Taiwan.
Summary
Balanitis increases the risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ). Men with balanitis showed a higher incidence of HZ, suggesting HZ vaccination may be beneficial for this group.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Balanitis and herpes zoster (HZ) are conditions potentially linked to immune system function.
- Understanding the relationship between balanitis and HZ is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between balanitis and the subsequent risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000.
- Identified 4,028 balanitis patients and matched them with 16,112 non-balanitis controls (age-matched).
- Employed Cox proportional hazards regression models to analyze HZ risk over a 12-year follow-up period.
Main Results:
- Patients with balanitis exhibited a significantly higher cumulative incidence of HZ compared to controls.
- The risk of HZ was 1.54-fold higher in balanitis patients without comorbidities.
- Elevated HZ risk was observed within the first 6 years post-balanitis diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Balanitis is identified as a significant risk factor for developing herpes zoster (HZ).
- Men diagnosed with balanitis face an increased risk of HZ.
- Consideration of HZ vaccination for men with balanitis is recommended.
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