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J Neuroinflammation 2019 Feb 18;16(1):42. Epub 2019 Feb 18.

Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Background: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a common viral agent causing central nervous system (CNS) infections including encephalitis, meningitis, and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Neurological complications occur frequently despite antiviral treatment. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cytokines are involved in the neuroinflammatory response during CNS infection. Read More

Front Integr Neurosci 2018 31;12:66. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Department of Ophthalmology and of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Eye and Ear Foundation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2018. Read More

BMJ Open 2019 Feb 13;9(2):e022897. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.

Objective: Statins are commonly prescribed worldwide. In addition to being potent lipid-lowering agents, statins have immunomodulating properties that may increase the risk of varicella zoster virus reactivation. This adverse effect may have substantial public health implications. Read More

Eur Neurol 2019 Feb 14;80(5-6):283-288. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.

Background: There are sparse and limited studies on small sample size reporting the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the detection of central nervous system (CNS) viral infections. We assessed the diagnostic performance of NGS of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for predicting viral infections of the CNS caused by the neurotropic herpes viruses in a pilot population.

Materials And Methods: We prospectively collected CSF samples from 24 patients with CNS viral infection from April 2017 to October 2018. Read More

Cureus 2018 Dec 3;10(12):e3674. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Cardiology, Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, Aventura, USA.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can produce painful, cutaneous lesions in human beings. Reactivation of this neurotropic virus leads to herpes zoster or shingles: a painful, unilateral, vesicular eruption in a restricted dermatomal distribution. Rarely, reactivation of this virus can lead to cardiac complications, such as myocarditis and even conduction abnormalities. Read More

PLoS One 2019 13;14(2):e0211927. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Treatment with Daratumumab (Dara), a monoclonal anti-CD38 antibody of IgG1 subtype, is effective in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, Dara also impairs the cellular immunity, which in turn may lead to higher susceptibility to infections. The exact link between immune impairment and infectious complications is unclear. Read More

Transpl Infect Dis 2019 Feb 13:e13061. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Department of Pediatrics, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, 236-0004.

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) disease is a common complication after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The mortality rate for disseminated VZV infection is 34%. Acyclovir has been used for the prophylaxis of VZV disease after HCT, but the effectiveness of prophylaxis is controversial. Read More

Transpl Infect Dis 2019 Feb 12:e13062. Epub 2019 Feb 12.

Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

We report a case of fatal disseminated varicella zoster virus (VZV) with delayed-onset rash in a 66-year-old female more than two years following uncomplicated deceased donor renal transplantation. Whilst on a stable regimen of maintenance immunosuppression, the patient presented with chest and abdominal pain with concomitant hepatitis and pancreatitis. After pursuing multiple other potential causes of her symptoms, the correct diagnosis of VZV was only suspected after the development of a widespread vesicular rash - 11 days after her initial symptoms. Read More

Ann Surg Treat Res 2019 Feb 30;96(2):95-99. Epub 2018 Jan 30.

Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Purpose: Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, which occurs frequently in liver transplant recipients with impaired cellular immunity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for HZ after adult liver transplantation (LT).

Methods: In our institution, 993 patients underwent adult LT from January 1997 to December 2013. Read More

J Midwifery Womens Health 2019 Feb 10. Epub 2019 Feb 10.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee.

Herpes zoster (shingles) is the reactivation of dormant varicella zoster virus in individuals who previously experienced varicella infection or vaccination. Herpes zoster can occur in pregnancy, although it is rare. This case report describes the clinical presentation and diagnosis of herpes zoster and reviews current recommendations for treatment. Read More

BMC Pediatr 2019 Feb 7;19(1):50. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

GSK, Avenue Fleming 20, B-1300, Wavre, Belgium.

Background: A new formulation of the live-attenuated varicella vaccine Varilrix (GSK) produced without human serum albumin (HSA) was developed to minimize a theoretical risk of transmission of infectious diseases. A previous study showed that the vaccine was immunologically non-inferior to the HSA-containing vaccine and well-tolerated in toddlers; low-grade fever was numerically higher in children receiving the vaccine without HSA, but the study lacked power to conclude on this difference.

Methods: In this phase III, double-blind, multi-center study, healthy 12-23-month-olds were randomized (1:1) to receive two doses of the varicella vaccine without (Var-HSA group) or with HSA (Var + HSA group) at days 0 and 42. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2019 Feb 7;19(1):127. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", Mirogojska 8, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antagonists, most of which are monoclonal antibodies, became a widespread treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa and uveitis. Their use is based on the blockage of TNF-α, which plays an important role in granulomas formation, development of phagosomes, activation and differentiation of macrophages, immune response against viral pathogens. The multiple adverse effects of TNF-α inhibition have been identified, including a two-to four-fold increased risk of active tuberculosis and other granulomatous conditions and an increased occurrence of some other serious bacterial, fungal and certain viral infections. Read More

J Virol 2019 Feb 6. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases (National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention), WHO WPRO Regional Reference Measles/Rubella Laboratory, Beijing 102206, People's Republic of China.

Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) infection results in varicella mostly in children. Reactivation of the virus causes Herpes Zoster (HZ) mostly in adults. A live attenuated vaccine (vOka-Biken hereafter) was originally derived from the parental strain pOka. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2019 Feb 6;19(1):126. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

Department of Experimental Virology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.

Background: A controversy exists about the potential effect of childhood varicella vaccination on Herpes Zoster (HZ) incidence. Mathematical models projected temporary HZ incidence increase after vaccine introduction that was not confirmed by real-world evidence. These models assume that absence of contacts with infected children would prevent exogenous boosting of Varicella-Zoster-Virus (VZV) immunity and they do not include an endogenous VZV immunity-boosting mechanism following asymptomatic VZV reactivation. Read More

Commun Dis Intell (2018) 2019 Feb 1;43. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Director, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kids Research Institute, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales

Introduction: The Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS) network is a hospital-based active surveillance system employing prospective case ascertainment for selected serious childhood conditions, particularly vaccine preventable diseases and potential adverse events following immunisation (AEFI). PAEDS data is used to better understand these conditions, inform policy and practice under the National Immunisation Program, and enable rapid public health responses for certain conditions of public health importance. PAEDS enhances data available from other Australian surveillance systems by providing prospective, detailed clinical and laboratory information on children with selected conditions. Read More

J Infect Dis 2019 Feb 5. Epub 2019 Feb 5.

Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine, Hannover, Germany.

Background: The tryptophan-kynurenine-NAD+ pathway is closely associated with regulation of immune cells toward less inflammatory phenotypes and may exert neuroprotective effects. Investigating its regulation in CNS infections would improve our understanding of pathophysiology and end-organ damage, and, furthermore, open doors to its evaluation as a source of diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers.

Methods: We measured concentrations of kynurenine (Kyn) and tryptophan (Trp) in 220 cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with bacterial and viral (herpes simplex, varicella zoster, enteroviruses) meningitis/encephalitis, neuroborreliosis, autoimmune neuroinflammation (anti-NMDA-R encephalitis, multiple sclerosis), and noninflamed controls (Bell's palsy, normal pressure hydrocephalus, Tourette syndrome). Read More

Mayo Clin Proc 2019 Feb 1. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Electronic address:

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation and a cause of considerable physical and psychosocial morbidity. No known treatment effectively prevents the development of PHN in patients with VZV reactivation. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of premedication with gabapentin for reducing the risk of PHN in patients with diabetic and nondiabetic neuropathy. Read More

Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2019 Feb 1. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España.

Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a degenerative corneal disease caused by damage of trigeminal innervation. This leads to epithelial defects, ulceration and, eventually, perforation. Both herpes simplex and varicella zoster keratitis are reported to be the main causes of NK. Read More

Virology 2019 Jan 10;529:152-159. Epub 2019 Jan 10.

Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA 31404, USA.

Little is known about Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) proteins that participate in viral DNA cleavage and packaging. Genes encoding potential terminase subunit and portal protein homologs include BGRF1/BDRF1, BALF3, BFRF1A and BBRF1 respectively. EBV mutants with deletions in one or more of these genes were impaired for DNA packaging (Pavlova et al. Read More

Pain Rep 2018 Nov 7;3(6):e702. Epub 2018 Nov 7.

Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, and Center for Research on Pain, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.

Introduction: Pain in herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is traditionally explained in terms of 2 processes: irritable nociceptors in the rash-inflamed skin and, later, deafferentation due to destruction of sensory neurons in one virally infected dorsal root ganglion.

Objectives And Methods: Consideration of the evidence supporting this explanation in light of contemporary understanding of the pain system finds it wanting. An alternative hypothesis is proposed as a replacement. Read More

BMC Pediatr 2019 Jan 31;19(1):40. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Department of Pediatric Emergency Department, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey.

Objective: Smartphones and associated messaging applications have become the most common means of communication among health care workers and the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of smartphones for the diagnosis of rash in children admitted to emergency departments during the night shift.

Methods: The images of the children who were admitted to the paediatric emergency department with rash were included in this study, and at least two images taken with smartphones by residents or paediatric infectious disease fellows were re-directed to the chief consultant of the Paediatric-Infectious Department via smartphone. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Feb;98(5):e14260

Department of Neurological Function Examination.

Rationale: The coexistence of Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) encephalitis is rare. A patient who developed RHS after being infected with VZV, along with a pontine lesion, is reported in the present study.

Patient Concerns: A 41-year-old male patient presented with his mouth askew for 7 days, and dizziness, accompanied by hearing loss for 3 days. Read More

Georgian Med News 2018 Dec(285):81-86

Zaporizhzhya State Medical University, Ukraine.

The study included 50 adult patients with shingles by which analyzed the clinical course of the disease depending on the gene polymorphism of interleukin-10 (rs 1800896) and toll-like receptor 2 (rs 5743708). According to the results of our study, it was established that genotype AA of gene Toll-like receptor 2 was associated with a high risk of Varicella-Zoster virus reactivation and manifestation of herpes zoster, moderate course. Analysis of the IL-10 gene polymorphism showed that genotype TT was associated with a risk of the development severe complicated course of shingles. Read More

IDCases 2019 29;15:e00483. Epub 2018 Dec 29.

Infectious Diseases Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Oporto, Portugal.

Central nervous system (CNS) vasculopathy associated with Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) infection, usually manifesting as stroke due to ischemic lesions by involvement of small arteries, is frequently misdiagnosed. Immunocompromised patients have a particularly higher risk of severe disease and also CNS involvement during or following VZV presentations. We report a case of an 84-year-old man, with myelodysplastic syndrome, who presented with herpes zoster ophthalmicus complicated with left periocular cellulitis and an abnormal neurological exam. Read More

Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm 2019 Mar 9;6(2):e537. Epub 2018 Jan 9.

Department of Internal Medicine (P.A.P., K.M.), Department of Neurology (J.J., T.G., J.S.K.), Department of Anesthesia (W.C.T.), and Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine (P.P.), Baylor College of Medicine; and National School of Tropical Medicine (J.E.W.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.

Bone Marrow Transplant 2019 Jan 29. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Division of Hematology/Oncology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Limited data exist on characteristics of central nervous system viruses (CNS-V) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients. Between 2007 and 2015, the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) received information on 27,532 patients undergoing HCT. Of these, centers reported 165 HCT recipients with CNS-V detected in cerebrospinal fluid within 6 months after HCT. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2018 Nov 15;24(11). Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.

Vasculitis can be a primary disorder or a cutaneous manifestation of a viral infection. The present case describes an atypical localized cutaneous varicella-zoster virus infection inducing a small vessel vasculitis in a patient with multisystem sarcoidosis. Additionally, we discuss the differential diagnoses and treatment options. Read More

Viral Immunol 2019 Jan 29. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

1 Infectious Diseases Division, Udine Healthcare and University Integrated Trust, Udine, Italy.

Limited data on varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine responses are available in HIV-positive adults, especially among those with end-stage renal disease on dialysis or undergoing kidney transplantation (KT). Serological and T cell responses were analyzed using anti-VZV IgG titers, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometric intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) in two HIV-positive kidney transplant candidates undergoing dialysis and receiving VZV immunization. The results were compared with two HIV-positive and two HIV-negative VZV-seropositive patients (two kidney transplant candidates and two kidney transplant recipients), and with one HIV-negative vaccinee. Read More

J Gen Virol 2019 Jan 29. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

1​Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1)-encoded UL49.5 (a homologue of herpesvirus glycoprotein N) can combine different functions, regulated by complex formation with viral glycoprotein M (gM). We aimed to identify the mechanisms governing the immunomodulatory activity of BoHV-1 UL49. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2019 Jan 28;19(1):95. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Kanonji Institute, Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University, 4-1-70, Seto-Cho, Kanonji, Kagawa, 768-0065, Japan.

Background: In Japan, freeze-dried live attenuated varicella-zoster vaccine is available for adults aged ≥50 years to prevent herpes zoster. However, limited evidence has been accumulated regarding vaccine safety for patients with underlying illnesses, who have been considered as the high-risk group for herpes zoster.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of 1200 healthy adults and 300 patients with underlying illnesses such as malignancy, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, and renal diseases was conducted. Read More

Viruses 2019 Jan 26;11(2). Epub 2019 Jan 26.

Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a highly prevalent human pathogen that causes varicella (chicken pox) during primary infection and establishes latency in peripheral neurons. Symptomatic reactivation often presents as zoster (shingles), but it has also been linked to life-threatening diseases such as encephalitis, vasculopathy and meningitis. Zoster may be followed by postherpetic neuralgia, neuropathic pain lasting after resolution of the rash. Read More

Int J Infect Dis 2019 Jan 25. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France; Groupe de Recherche Clinique CARMAS, Université Paris-Est Créteil, IMRB, Créteil, France.

J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2019 7;94(1). Epub 2019 Jan 7.

3Obstetric and Gynecological Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Faiyum, Egypt.

Background: Chickenpox infection acquired during pregnancy is a serious condition. There may be congenital malformations and neonatal varicella syndrome with significant morbidity and mortality. Egypt has no routine varicella-zoster vaccination program. Read More

Antiviral Res 2019 Mar 23;163:117-124. Epub 2019 Jan 23.

Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia. Electronic address:

The phenoxazine scaffold is widely used to stabilize nucleic acid duplexes, as a part of fluorescent probes for the study of nucleic acid structure, recognition, and metabolism, etc. Here we present the synthesis of phenoxazine-based nucleoside derivatives and their antiviral activity against a panel of structurally diverse viruses: enveloped DNA herpesviruses varicella zoster virus (VZV) and human cytomegalovirus, enveloped RNA tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and non-enveloped RNA enteroviruses. Studied compounds were effective against DNA and RNA viruses reproduction in cell culture. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2019 Jan 25;19(1):91. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia.

Background: Making a definite diagnosis of infectious uveitis is a challenging task because many other infectious, and non-infectious uveitis, may have similar non-specific symptoms and overlapping clinical appearances. Co-infections in immunocompetent patients are not frequently proved with traditional serologic-diagnostic tools.

Methods: Descriptive transversal study, in a Uveitis Service of an Ophthalmology Reference Center, in Bogotá, Colombia, from July 2014 to February 2016. Read More

Intern Med J 2019 Jan;49(1):132-133

Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Ann Hematol 2019 Mar 24;98(3):713-722. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Abt. Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany.

Infections represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in multiple myeloma and are linked to both therapy- and disease-related factors. Although it has been suggested that the rate of infections increased since the introduction of novel agents, controversies still exist. To better assess the risk factors associated with infections in the era of novel agents, we conducted a large retrospective analysis of 479 myeloma patients treated at Jena University Hospital over a period of 12 years. Read More

Med Microbiol Immunol 2019 Jan 24. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Sektion Experimentelle Virologie, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany.

Infections with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) as well as with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) may take a serious course. Thus, rapid and reliable detection of these alphaherpesviruses is urgently needed. For this, we established a qualitative quadruplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) covering HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV and endogenous human glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Read More

Dermatol Online J 2018 Aug 15;24(8). Epub 2018 Aug 15.

Dermatology Department, Hospital de Santarem EPE, Santarem.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) primary infection usually causes varicella and its reactivation may lead to different clinical manifestations depending on the site of viral reactivation and its subsequent tissue spread. There is a growing recognition of the association between VZV reactivation and ensuing cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). The virus can spread to cerebral arteries, causing a wide clinical spectrum related to VZV vasculopathy. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2018 Aug 15;24(8). Epub 2018 Aug 15.

Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, Neural Sciences, University Hospital of Modena.

itor Title: Varicella zoster virus reactivation antedating ipsilateral brainstem stroke Authors: Giuliana Galassi1, Maurilio Genovese2, Marisa Meacci3, Marcella Malagoli2 Affiliations: 1Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, Neural Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, Italy, 2Neuroradiology Service, University Hospital of Modena, Italy, 3Department of Laboratory Medicine and Patholgy, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital of Modena, Italy Corresponding Author: Giuliana Galassi, MD, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, Neural Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, Via P. Giardini 1455, Modena, Italy, Tel: 39-3497325802, Email: giulianagalassi46@gmail.com Abstract: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection and reactivation are associated with a number of neurologic conditions. Read More

Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019 Jan 24:1-6. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

a Departments of Pediatrics , University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , CO , USA.

There are two licensed herpes zoster vaccines. One is a live vaccine (ZVL) based on an attenuated varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The other is a recombinant vaccine (RZV) based on the VZV glycoprotein E (gE) combined with AS01B, a multicomponent adjuvant system. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2019 Jan 19. Epub 2019 Jan 19.

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

An immunocompetent adult received corticosteroids for chest pain, which later was clinically found to be herpes zoster (HZ). She developed severe disease and rapid viral dissemination that elicited an exceptionally strong varicella zoster virus-specific B-cell and CD8 T-cell response. Clinicians should consider atypical HZ presentation prior to corticosteroid administration. Read More

Emerg Infect Dis 2019 Feb;25(2):281-289

Monkeypox, caused by a zoonotic orthopoxvirus, is endemic in Central and West Africa. Monkeypox has been sporadically reported in the Republic of the Congo. During March 22-April 5, 2017, we investigated 43 suspected human monkeypox cases. Read More

Acta Dermatovenerol Croat 2018 Dec;26(4):337-338

Associate Professor Suzana Ljubojević Hadžavdić, MD, PhD, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Šalata 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;

Herpes zoster (HZ) is an acute, cutaneous viral infection caused by the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) (1). It is a frequent medical condition with an incidence rate of 2-3 cases per 1000 person/years in the general population and 7-10 cases per 1000 person/years after the age of 50 (1,2). Risk factors and triggers for reactivation of HZV have not yet been determined precisely, but are likely to include malignancies, immune deficiencies, solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, autoimmune diseases, psychological conditions, emotional stress, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and other patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies (1,3). Read More

Eur Neurol 2019 Jan 18;80(5-6):129-135. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Department of Neurology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that leads to inflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration. Viral aetiology has been suspected to be an MS trigger for a long time, and herpesviruses (HSs) are among the potential pathogens involved.

Objectives: The present investigation aims to detect the presence of antibodies against the herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) in the serum of MS patients and control individuals in north-eastern Poland. Read More

J Neuroinflammation 2019 Jan 19;16(1):13. Epub 2019 Jan 19.

Department of Neurology, Christian-Doppler-Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.

Background: The chemokine CXCL13 is an intensively investigated biomarker in Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). Its role in other neuroinfections is increasingly recognized but less clear.

Objective: To determine the significance of CXCL13 in established central nervous system (CNS) infections other than LNB by matching cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CXCL13 elevations with severity of the disease course. Read More

Acta Derm Venereol 2019 01 17. Epub 2019 Jan 17.

Dermatology and Venereology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden.

Dupilumab, the first biologic approved for treatment of atopic dermatitis, has demonstrated significant clinical effect and quality of life-enhancing capacity in clinical trials. In these, dupilumab-associated conjunctivitis where reported in a minority of patients. The present case series describe 10 patients treated with dupilumab where eye complications were very common. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Jan;98(3):e14191

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital.

Rationale: To report a case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) linear endotheliitis in a 57-year-old male who had underwent keratoplasty 10 years ago. The characteristic linear keratic precipitates (KPs) resembled the Khodadoust line in graft rejection. The differential diagnosis is essential, because the treatment regimen is different between HSV linear endotheliitis and graft rejection. Read More

Med Biol Eng Comput 2019 Jan 16. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.

The introduction of mass vaccination against Varicella-Zoster-Virus (VZV) is being delayed in many European countries mainly because of the "fear" of a subsequent boom in natural herpes zoster (HZ) incidence in the first decades after the initiation of vaccination, caused by the expected decline in the protective effect of natural immunity boosting due to reduced virus circulation. Optimal control theory has proven to be a successful tool in understanding ways to curtail the spread of infectious diseases by devising the optimal disease intervention strategies. In this paper, we describe how a reduced 'toy' model can extract the essentials of the dynamics of the VZV transmission and reactivation in case of the study of optimal paths of varicella immunization programs. Read More

Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol 2018 Dec 31;17(6):586-593. Epub 2018 Dec 31.

Human Viral Vaccine Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.

Preparation of the indigenous varicella zoster vaccine could significantly reduce the disease burden of varicella zoster virus especially in immunosuppressed children. To achieve this goal, the varicella zoster virus was isolated from an 8 years boy infected with chicken pox. The virus was cultivated in sensitive cell line and determined varicella zoster. Read More