Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Can Commun Dis Rep 2018 Sep 6;44(9):220-225. Epub 2018 Sep 6.

Centre for Immunization and Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON.

Background: Steep increases in herpes zoster (HZ) incidence, hospitalization due to HZ and the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia as a complication of HZ occur in people over 50 years of age. Two HZ vaccines are currently authorized for use in those 50 years of age and older in Canada: a live attenuated zoster vaccine (LZV) authorized in 2008; and a recombinant subunit vaccine (RZV) authorized in October 2017.

Objectives: To review current evidence and develop guidance on whether the previously authorized LZV (Zostavax) and/or the recently authorized RZV (Shingrix) vaccine should be offered to Canadians 50 years of age and older: 1) at a population-level, in publicly funded immunization programs; and 2) at an individual-level, to individuals wishing to prevent HZ, or by clinicians wishing to advise individual patients about preventing HZ. Read More

J Clin Med 2019 Apr 22;8(4). Epub 2019 Apr 22.

Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.

Herpes zoster (HZ) caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation is characterized as a vesicular rash of unilateral distribution that can also cause multiple complications; such as post-herpetic neuralgia; ophthalmic zoster; and other neurological issues. VZV can also increase incident hemorrhagic or ischemic complications by causing inflammatory vasculopathy. Thus; emerging epidemiological and clinical data recognizes an association between HZ and subsequent acute strokes or myocardial infarction (MI). Read More

J Spinal Cord Med 2019 Apr 23:1-5. Epub 2019 Apr 23.

a Department of Neurology , Habib Bourguiba University Hospital , Sfax , Tunisia.

Context: After primary infection, varicella zoster virus (VZV) becomes latent in ganglionic neurons. If immunity declines, VZV is reactivated and can spread to the dermatome depending from this ganglion and in some cases to the spinal cord. Myelopathy is rare and may develop in the absence of skin rash making the diagnosis very difficult. Read More

Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019 Apr 22. Epub 2019 Apr 22.

b Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine , The Catholic University of Korea , Seoul , Republic of Korea.

Background In South Korea, one-dose varicella vaccine was included in the National Immunization Program for children aged 12-15 months in 2005, and the vaccine coverage reached >95%. The impact of varicella vaccination on varicella and herpes zoster (HZ) was investigated, accounting for demographic changes over time. Methods We calculated the crude and age-sex standardized incidence rates (IRs) and age-specific IRs of varicella and HZ from 2003 to 2015, using the National Health Information Database including approximately 50 million Koreans. Read More

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi 2019 Apr;40(4):417-421

Hebei Provincial Children Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050030, China.

To understand the trends on the epidemics of acute meningitis and encephalitis (AME) among children under 18 years-old in Shijiazhuang city, 2007-2017. Surveillance programs on acute meningitis and encephalitis (AMES) had been conducted in population less than 18 years-old, since 2007. Hospitals at county level or above in Shijiazhuang had been included to carry out the epidemiologic surveillance, including 6 on pathogens, regarding AMES. Read More

Infect Dis Clin North Am 2019 Jun;33(2):593-609

Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 275 York Avenue, Box 420, New York, NY 10065, USA.

Patients with hematologic malignancy or those who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation experience variable degrees of immunosuppression, dependent on underlying disease, therapy received, time since transplant, and complications, such as graft-versus-host disease. Vaccination is an important strategy to mitigate onset and severity of certain vaccine-preventable illnesses, such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, or varicella zoster infection, among others. This article highlights vaccines that should and should not be used in this patient population and includes general guidelines for timing of vaccination administration and special considerations in the context of newer therapies, recent vaccine developments, travel, and considerations for household contacts. Read More

Infect Dis Clin North Am 2019 Jun;33(2):467-484

City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA. Electronic address:

This review discusses the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of herpes viruses other than cytomegalovirus in patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Read More

Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019 Apr 17. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, Boston, Massachusetts.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients are at increased risk for varicella zoster virus reactivation and associated complications. The incidence, timing, and risk factors for severe herpes zoster (HZ) are not well described in the era of acyclovir (ACV) prophylaxis. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent first allogeneic HCT from October 2006 to December 2015 at our institution. Read More

Clin Transplant 2019 Apr 19:e13563. Epub 2019 Apr 19.

Transplant Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, Toronto, ON.

These updated guidelines of the AST IDCOP review vaccination of solid organ transplant candidates and recipients. General principles of vaccination as well as the use of specific vaccines in this population are discussed. Vaccination should be reviewed in the pre-transplant setting and appropriate vaccines updated. Read More

Transpl Infect Dis 2019 Apr 16:e13095. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Pediatric Clinic, "P & A Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Athens, Greece.

Background: Viral infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric transplant populations. We analyzed the epidemiology of viral infections in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients, including their incidence, associated risk factors, and outcome.

Methods: In a prospective study from September 2011 to September 2015 blood, urine and stool specimens were monitored weekly from transplantation to day 100 or after if clinically suspected, by use of real-time polymerase chain reaction. Read More

Iran J Otorhinolaryngol 2019 Mar;31(103):115-118

Departments of Otorhinolaryngology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Introduction: Varicella-zoster virus may cause an infectious disease called Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The related symptoms include facial nerve palsy (FNP), otalgia, the vesicular eruptions of the auricle and external auditory canal, less common ocular movement disorder, facial hypoesthesia, myofascial pain, vestibular symptoms, hearing loss, dysphasia, vocal cord paralysis, as well as tongue paralysis due to cranial neuropathies.

Case Report: Herein, we presented the case of a 55-year-old man with left peripheral facial nerve palsy, profound hearing loss, and true vocal cord paralysis. Read More

Brain Nerve 2019 Apr;71(4):302-308

Dermatology, Aichi Medical University.

Among human herpes viruses, those known to cause neurological symptoms are the herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 and the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which remain latent in the dorsal root ganglion. HSV causes herpes labialis, genital herpes, etc. VZV causes varicella during the primary infection, and shingles when reactivated. Read More

Transplant Proc 2019 Feb 8. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Department of Gastroenterology and Organ Transplantation Center, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.

Infections after solid organ transplantation are a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection after solid organ transplantation is rare. Here we present a case presenting with acute hepatitis and shingles after a liver transplantation (LT). Read More

J Neurol Sci 2019 May 2;400:186-187. Epub 2019 Apr 2.

Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Acute cerebellitis is a well recognized complication of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in children. It has been described in adults in the setting of virus reactivation with a preceding herpes zoster rash, but it is exceedingly rare in adults who are not elderly or immunocompromised, particularly in the absence of a rash. To our knowledge, there has been only one reported case of acute cerebellitis in an immunocompetent adult less than age 65 with virological confirmation of acute VZV infection. Read More

J Infect 2019 Apr 10. Epub 2019 Apr 10.

Clinical Microbiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester; Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. Electronic address:

Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019 Apr 12:e27752. Epub 2019 Apr 12.

Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is linked to a variety of malignancies; most endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) harbor EBV, whereas only a subset of the cases of sporadic BL is EBV positive.

Procedure: We retrospectively determined the herpesvirus seroprevalence at the time of diagnosis in pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients enrolled in NHL-BFM (Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster) studies. We accessed the seroepidemiological data from 1147 patients that became available during 1990-2007. Read More

Vaccine 2019 May 8;37(19):2537-2553. Epub 2019 Apr 8.

Centre for Health Economics Research & Modeling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.

Clinical trials covering the immunogenicity of a vaccine aim to study the longitudinal dynamics of certain immune cells after vaccination. The corresponding immunogenicity datasets are mainly analyzed by the use of statistical (mixed effects) models. This paper proposes the use of mathematical ordinary differential equation (ODE) models, combined with a mixed effects approach. Read More

Curr Opin Infect Dis 2019 Apr 9. Epub 2019 Apr 9.

Cerebrovascular Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Stroke continuous to be a leading cause of debility in the world. Infections have been associated with stroke, but are not considered as directly causal, and so they are not often included in the traditional stroke workup and management. They are especially important in patients with stroke of undetermined etiology, and in certain patient populations, such as young patients without traditional risk factors, and immunocompromised patients. Read More

Curr Opin Immunol 2019 Apr 7;59:25-30. Epub 2019 Apr 7.

Emory Vaccine Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Zostavax is a live-attenuated varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine recommended for use in adults >50 years of age to prevent shingles. The main risk factor for the development of shingles is age, which correlates with decreasing cell-mediated immunity. These data suggest a predominant role of T cell immunity in controlling VZV latency. Read More

Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2019 1;12:1756286419836571. Epub 2019 Apr 1.

Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster, Building A1, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany.

In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) owing to the approval of a number of new drugs with very distinct mechanisms of action. All approved disease-modifying drugs primarily work directly on the immune system. However, the identification of an 'optimal choice' for individual patients with regard to treatment efficacy, treatment adherence and side-effect profile has become increasingly complex including conceptual as well as practical considerations. Read More

Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019 Apr 5. Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka. Electronic address:

Vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) is highly recommended for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients by several guidelines; however, the safety and seropositivity after live attenuated vaccines remain unclear in adult HSCT recipients. We analyzed titers of antibodies against measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella zoster virus (VZV) from Japanese adult patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT (allo-HSCT) (n = 74), autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT) (n = 39), or chemotherapy (n = 93). The seropositive rates for measles, rubella, mumps, and VZV in allo-HSCT recipients were 20. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2019 Apr 5;12(4). Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Department of Trauma and Emergency (Anesthesia), All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India.

Herpes zoster is a clinical manifestation of reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia after a past primary infection. It can be associated with severe pain, a crop of vesicles in typical dermatomal distribution but the neuralgic pain persists long, making the patient uncomfortable and often disturbing patient's sleep. There are cases reported after trauma or post surgeries that are mainly related to organ transplant or malignancy. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2019 Mar 23;19(3):77-80. Epub 2018 Dec 23.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Teishin Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

A 53-year-old immunocompetent male visited our hospital complaining of chest pain which persisted for 6 h. After detailed examination, the patient was diagnosed with viral pericarditis and treated with aspirin. On day 3 after admission, rash with blisters appeared on the right side of chest. Read More

Arch Dis Child 2019 Apr 4. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Pediatric Emergency Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.

Objectives: To evaluate the causes and management of acute ataxia (AA) in the paediatric emergency setting and to identify clinical features predictive of an underlying clinically urgent neurological pathology (CUNP).

Study Design: This is a retrospective medical chart analysis of children (1-18 years) attending to 11 paediatric emergency departments (EDs) for AA in an 8-year period. A logistic regression model was applied to identify clinical risk factors for CUNP. Read More

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2019 Apr 4. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada.

Shingles and its most common disabling complication, post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), represents a serious public health challenge in the older population. The decline in the T-cell-mediated immune response to Varicella Zoster Virus after age 50 is clearly associated with increased risk of viral reactivation, causing an acutely painful zoster rash which may have a severe prodrome of dermatomal pain and persist as seriously debilitating PHN well beyond the resolution of the rash. However, new vaccines and adjuvants are being developed and trialed, and are now more effective in preventing shingles and the sequelae of PHN. Read More

BMC Ophthalmol 2019 Apr 3;19(1):87. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No.123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist, Kaohsiung, 833, Taiwan.

Background: To report the epidemiology and clinical features of viral anterior uveitis in patients in southern Taiwan.

Methods: A retrospective, case series study. HLA-B27 negative anterior uveitis patients with increased intraocular pressure or corneal edema seen at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 1, 2007 to January 31, 2018 had their aqueous sent for polymerase chain reaction analysis. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2019 Mar 31;12(3). Epub 2019 Mar 31.

Division of Pulmonaryand Critical Care Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.

The use of immunosuppressing agents can act as a catalyst for viral reactivation, promoting systemic infection with organ involvement. Current literature remains sparse on this topic but does provide individual case reports involving single viruses. We present the case of an immunocompromised patient with skin lesions, pancreatitis, colitis and hepatitis. Read More

Vaccine 2019 Apr 29;37(18):2482-2493. Epub 2019 Mar 29.

GSK, Wavre, Belgium. Electronic address:

Background: The ZOE-50 (NCT01165177) and ZOE-70 (NCT01165229) phase 3 clinical trials showed that the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) was ≥90% efficacious in preventing herpes zoster in adults. Here we present a comprehensive overview of the safety data from these studies.

Methods: Adults aged ≥50 (ZOE-50) and ≥70 (ZOE-70) years were randomly vaccinated with RZV or placebo. Read More

Complement Ther Med 2019 Apr 22;43:81-84. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Ortenau Klinikum Offenburg und Gengenbach, Ebertplatz 12, 77654, Offenburg, Germany. Electronic address:

Objectives: To assess the value of bee products with respect to antiviral efficacy against herpes viruses.

Design: A systematic review was done using the JUSTfind System of the Justus-Liebig-University Gießen and Scopus.

Results: Three trials on honey and 6 trials on propolis were conducted. Read More

J Assoc Physicians India 2019 Jan;67(1):99

Pan Afr Med J 2018 13;31:30. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

Service de Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mohamed VI, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Maroc.

Varicella is a rash illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It mainly affects children with usually a benign outcome. However, several complications of variable severity can be observed including bacterial infectious complications and neurological complications. Read More

Intern Med 2019 Mar 28. Epub 2019 Mar 28.

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology & Respiratory Medicine, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Japan.

A 43-year-old man with malignant lymphoma who had been treated with the C-MOPP regimen was admitted to our hospital with skin eruption. He was diagnosed to have varicella, and treatment with acyclovir and immune globulin was started. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple nodules in the both lung fields. Read More

J Virol 2019 Mar 27. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Center for Molecular and Tumor Virology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932

The major immediate-early IE62 protein of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is delivered to newly infected cell nuclei, where it initiates VZV replication by transactivating viral immediate-early (IE), early (E), and late (L) genes. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a potent cytokine produced following primary VZV infection. Furthermore, VZV reactivation correlates with a decline in IFN-γ-producing immune cells. Read More

Curr Med Res Opin 2019 Mar 27:1-12. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

e Baycrest Health Sciences , Toronto , Canada.

Background: The varicella zoster virus (VZV) can reactivate later in life as herpes zoster infection (HZI), a severe disease resulting in painful complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine has been indicated for use among adults 50 years and older for prevention of HZI. Currently, no clinical practice guideline or funding exists specifically for HZ immunization in long-term care facilities (LTCF) for adults age >60 years. Read More

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi 2019 Mar;21(3):203-207

Division of Immunization Program, Harbin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin 150056, China.

Objective: To investigate the level of IgG antibody to varicella in the healthy population aged 1-19 years in Harbin, China.

Methods: Random sampling was performed to select 1 203 healthy individuals aged 1-19 years in Harbin. According to age, they were divided into ≥1 years group (n=240), ≥4 years group (n=396), ≥7 years group (n=364) and 14-19 years group (n=203). Read More

Mil Med 2019 03;184(Suppl 1):126-132

Defense Health Agency-Immunization Healthcare Branch Regional Office, Building 1-2532 Armistead St, Fort Bragg, NC.

Herpes zoster (HZ, shingles) affects individuals (60+ years) by reactivation of varicella virus from primary infection. Approximately one-third of the general population will develop HZ and are at increased risk of stroke. Our objective was describing possible associations between self-reported HZ vaccination and stroke with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System, a cross-sectional nationwide telephone survey. Read More

J Dermatolog Treat 2019 Mar 22:1-7. Epub 2019 Mar 22.

d Dermatology Research and Education Foundation , Irvine , CA , USA.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has been associated with a significantly higher risk of herpes zoster (HZ). Several newer biologics such as secukinumab, ixekizumab, and brodalumab inhibit IL-17 and have been highly effective for treatment of psoriasis. However, adverse events related to the immunosuppressive properties of these biologics have been observed. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2019 Mar 20;12(3). Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Family Medicine, Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi, Michigan, USA.

A 43-year-old previously healthy man presented to the primary care clinic with concurrent ipsilateral viral parotitis and herpes zoster ophthalmicus. The patient experienced painful swelling below the right ear as well as painful vesicles on the right forehead, eyelid and cheek in the V1 dermatomal region. There were no lesions in the oral cavity or nose. Read More

Sci Rep 2019 Mar 18;9(1):4743. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.

Interest is growing in the role of infectious agents in the pathogenesis of dementia, but current evidence is limited. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of any of eight human herpesviruses on development of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, Global Health, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, clinical trials registers and grey literature sources from inception to December 2017 for observational studies with cohort, case control or self-controlled designs, or randomised controlled trials of interventions against herpesviruses. Read More

Curr Pediatr Rev 2019 Mar 18. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

Department of Pediatrics, University General Hospital of Patras. Greece.

Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) tends to affect the elderly population and immunocompromised younger patients. However, HZ cases in healthy children have also been reported.

Objective: This paper is a reminder to physicians, that Herpes Zoster can still present in children, even in the era after the development of the varicella vaccine and its introduction in the national immunization programs globally. Read More

J Int Med Res 2019 Mar 18:300060519833529. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

1 Department of Neurology, Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui, China.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can invade the brainstem or brain via the glossopharyngeal, vagus , or facial nerve, resulting in brainstem inflammation or encephalitis. We report the case of a 66-year-old male patient with a primary manifestation of medulla injury of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, combined with a medulla lesion, who was misdiagnosed with lateral medullary syndrome. Facial nerve injury and earache subsequently occurred and human herpes virus 3 (VZV) was detected by second-generation sequencing of the cerebrospinal fluid. Read More

J Infect Chemother 2019 Mar 14. Epub 2019 Mar 14.

Department of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection sometimes result in visceral disseminated VZV infection (VD-VZV), which is a fulminant disease featured by abdominal pain and the absence of skin lesions, particularly occurs in the immunosuppressive patients. Brachial plexus neuritis (BPN) is another rare type of VZV infection usually appears without blisters. Few diagnostic images of both VD-VZV and BPN-VZV have been reported. Read More

Transplant Proc 2019 Mar 4;51(2):512-516. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Department of Kidney and Pancreas Transplant, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address:

Background: A significant gap exists between demand and supply of organs for patients with end-stage renal disease. To increase the donor pool, kidney transplantation is performed across ABO- and HLA-incompatible barriers. ABO-incompatible kidney transplant (ABOi-KT) recipients are at increased risk of antibody-mediated rejection, infection, and mortality. Read More

PLoS Pathog 2019 03 14;15(3):e1007650. Epub 2019 Mar 14.

Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a lymphotropic alpha-herpesvirinae subfamily member that produces varicella on primary infection and causes zoster, vascular disease and vision loss upon reactivation from latency. VZV-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) disseminate virus to distal organs to produce clinical disease. To assess immune evasion strategies elicited by VZV that may contribute to dissemination of infection, human PBMCs and VZV-specific CD8+ T cells (V-CD8+) were mock- or VZV-infected and analyzed for immunoinhibitory protein PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA-4, LAG-3 and TIM-3 expression using flow cytometry. Read More

Glycobiology 2019 Mar 14. Epub 2019 Mar 14.

Laboratorio de Glicobiología Humana y Diagnóstico Molecular; Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos. Av. Universidad 1001, Cuernavaca, México.

Certain viral infections are known to modify the glycosylation profile of infected cells through the overexpression of specific host cell fucosyltransferases (FUTs). Infection with CMV (cytomegalovirus), HCV (hepatitis C virus), HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type-1) and VZV (varicella-zoster virus) increase the expression of fucosylated epitopes, including antigens sLex (Siaα2-3 Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-R) and Ley (Fucα1-2 Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-R). The reorganization of the glycocalyx induced by viral infection may favor the spread of viral progeny, and alter diverse biological functions mediated by glycans, including recognition by the adaptive immune system. Read More

Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019 Mar 11. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan

Acyclovir (ACV) resistance-associated mutations in two recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) clones were compared. Recombinant HSV-1 lacking its thymidine kinase (TK) and expressing varicella-zoster virus (VZV) TK ectopically had no mutations in the VZV TK gene. By contrast, recombinant HSV-1 expressing HSV-1 TK ectopically harbored mutations in the HSV-1 TK gene. Read More

J Clin Virol 2019 Apr 2;113:35-38. Epub 2019 Mar 2.

Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital/The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Molecular methods enable more rapid and sensitive detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) than viral culture.

Objective: Three commercial molecular methods, all of which detect both HSV-1 and HSV-2, were compared to viral culture for the detection of HSV from swab specimens.

Study Design: Pediatric and adult patient viral swab specimens were cultured for HSV. Read More

Chin Med J (Engl) 2019 Mar;132(6):659-663

Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.

Background: Herpes virus is considered to be the pathogen of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) infection. Previous studies have found that patients with ARN caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are often older, and patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) induced ARN are considerably younger. However, in our clinical work, we find that VZV is also a pathogen in younger ARN patients. Read More

J Neurovirol 2019 Mar 8. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Clinical Science Graduate Program, University of Colorado Graduate School, Aurora, CO, USA.

To evaluate the infectious etiologies, clinical features, and outcomes of patients with CNS infections at a tertiary care center. Patients that present with a pleocytosis in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), defined as a CSF WBC count > 5 cells/mm, from July 2015 to June 2016 at a tertiary care hospital were analyzed for this report. Data from patients with confirmed (n = 43) and presumed (n = 51) CNS infections were analyzed. Read More

Clin Case Rep 2019 Feb 18;7(2):268-271. Epub 2018 Dec 18.

Department of Pediatrics ZNA Queen Paola Children's Hospital Antwerp Belgium.

When a previously healthy child presents to the hospital with a stroke, generally a Varicella zoster virus vasculopathy seems most likely. However, other causes of a local cerebral vasculitis are possible and need to be explored. Read More