Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
12:22
A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Association Between Post-COVID-19 Herpes Zoster Reactivation and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: Multinational
Yu-Chen Cheng1,2, Chien-Lin Lu1,3, Joshua Wang4,5
1School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
International Journal of Medical Sciences
|May 20, 2026
Summary
Herpes zoster (HZ) reactivation after COVID-19 increases the risk of peripheral nervous system disorders like Bell's palsy, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and myasthenia gravis (MG). Neurological awareness is crucial post-COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Increased herpes zoster (HZ) incidence post-COVID-19 suggests immune dysregulation.
- Long-term neuro-immunological risks following COVID-19 and HZ remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term risks of peripheral nervous system disorders after COVID-19 and HZ reactivation.
- To compare the incidence of Bell's palsy, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and myasthenia gravis (MG) in COVID-19 survivors with and without HZ.
Main Methods:
- Utilized de-identified electronic health records from the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network.
- Established 1:1 propensity score-matched cohorts of COVID-19 survivors.
- Followed cohorts for three years, analyzing incidence of Bell's palsy, GBS, and MG using Cox proportional hazards models and sensitivity analyses.
Main Results:
- HZ reactivation was linked to elevated three-year risks of Bell's palsy, GBS, and MG.
- Bell's palsy risk increased early post-HZ, while GBS and MG risks showed delayed increases after one year.
- Associations were consistent across sensitivity analyses and more pronounced in individuals with metabolic comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Post-COVID-19 HZ is associated with increased peripheral nervous system disorder risks.
- Highlights the need for neurological symptom awareness in early and delayed post-infectious periods following COVID-19 and HZ.
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