A systematic literature review of the epidemiology and burden of herpes zoster in selected locales in Asia Pacific

Abstract

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a painful rash which typically affects older adults. This is of concern in Asia-Pacific given its aging population. As HZ epidemiology and burden are evolving, this systematic literature review aimed to update the current understanding of HZ burden and associated costs for selected Asia-Pacific locales. MEDLINE and Embase were searched for English articles of HZ studies conducted in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan. Eligible outcomes included HZ incidence and prevalence, occurrence of HZ-related complications, healthcare resource utilization, costs, and HZ-associated quality of life outcomes. This paper focused on HZ data in the general adult population ( N = 90 articles). Substantial HZ-related disease and economic burden were observed in these locales, consistent with global trends. These findings reinforce the increasing burden of HZ and need for preventive strategies, which may include raising awareness and encouraging timely vaccination.

Case report: safety and efficacy of lidocaine infusion for the treatment of intractable zoster-associated neuralgia in solid organ transplant recipients

“…Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a highly contagious and globally distributed human pathogen that causes chickenpox (varicella) as a primary infection, usually in children belonging to areas where vaccination is not practiced. In younger adults and children, the rash and pain are generally less severe ( Chen et al, 2024 ). After primary infection, the virus establishes lifelong latency in the sensory ganglia.…”