Herpes Zoster: Risk Factors for Occurrence, Complications, and Recurrence with a Focus on Immunocompromised Patients
Michał Oleszko1, Paweł Zapolnik1, Wojciech Kmiecik2
1College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, 35-315 Rzeszów, Poland.
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 26, 2025
Summary
Varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles. Risk factors for shingles include aging and chronic diseases, with potential complications like postherpetic neuralgia, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles.
- VZV targets T cells, neurons, and skin cells.
- Complications include postherpetic neuralgia; risk factors are aging, immunosuppression, and chronic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze factors increasing herpes zoster (shingles) risk.
- Investigate factors contributing to shingles complications.
- Examine factors influencing shingles recurrence, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing data.
- Epidemiological study design.
- Risk factor assessment and statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified key risk factors for VZV reactivation.
- Quantified the impact of age and immunosuppression on shingles incidence.
- Highlighted the association between chronic conditions and shingles complications.
Conclusions:
- Aging and immunosuppression are significant risk factors for herpes zoster.
- Chronic diseases increase the risk of shingles and its complications.
- Further research is needed to understand VZV recurrence in immunocompromised populations.
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