Asthma as a risk factor for zoster in adults: A population-based case-control study

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Immunology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Previous research indicated an elevated risk of herpes zoster (shingles) in children with asthma.
• However, the association between asthma and shingles risk in adults remained largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether asthma is linked to an increased risk of developing shingles in the adult population.
• To identify potential target groups for shingles vaccination.

Main Methods:

• A population-based case-control study was conducted in Olmsted County, Minnesota.
• Adults aged 50 years and older with zoster were compared to matched controls without a history of zoster.
• Conditional logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between asthma and zoster risk.

Main Results:

• The study included 371 zoster cases and 742 matched controls.
• A history of asthma was reported in 23% of zoster cases versus 15% of control subjects.
• Asthma was significantly associated with an increased risk of zoster (adjusted odds ratio, 1.70; P = .003), with a population attributable risk of approximately 10%.

Conclusions:

• Asthma emerges as an unrecognized risk factor for shingles in adults.
• Adults with asthma aged 50 years and older should be considered a priority group for shingles immunization.