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Herpes Zoster Reactivation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Hyo-Ju Son1,2, Seung-Beom Kim3, Ji-Soo Kwon3

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Korea.

Infection & Chemotherapy
|January 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation may be linked to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study found low VZV DNA prevalence in patients undergoing angiography, suggesting further research is needed to confirm any association.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Virology

Background:

  • The relationship between varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation and coronary artery disease (CAD) is not well-established.
  • VZV, a common herpesvirus, is known to cause shingles and chickenpox, with reactivation potentially leading to various complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of subclinical VZV reactivation in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • To explore a potential association between VZV reactivation and different categories of CAD, including acute and chronic presentations.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 107 patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD was enrolled.
  • Salivary samples were analyzed using VZV PCR to detect subclinical VZV reactivation.
  • Patients were stratified into three groups: acute coronary syndrome, chronic coronary syndrome, and insignificant CAD.

Main Results:

  • VZV DNA was detected in 3% of the patients (3 out of 107).
  • One patient with acute coronary syndrome and two patients with chronic coronary syndrome tested positive for VZV DNA.
  • The prevalence of VZV DNA did not reach statistical significance across the patient groups (P=0.469).

Conclusions:

  • The study found a low prevalence of subclinical VZV reactivation in patients with suspected CAD.
  • While not statistically significant, the findings suggest a need for further research to clarify the potential link between VZV reactivation and CAD.
  • Larger studies are warranted to definitively assess the role of VZV in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.

Keywords:
Coronary artery diseaseHerpes zosterPolymerase chain reactionSalivaVaricella-zoster virus

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