No abstract

In India, although incidence of Herpes zoster has not been assessed, regional cases have been reported. We revisited the peer-reviewed literature on clinical cases of HZ to depict the trends in population characteristics, disease presentation, and predisposing factors for the disease in India. Systematically conducted literature search yielded 27 studies, published between January 2011 and May 2020, reporting 3124 HZ clinical cases, with high proportions in older adults (>50 years of age: 15.0-81.3%). Thoracic dermatome was consistently reported as the most frequent site affected by HZ (38.9-71.0%). Postherpetic neuralgia and secondary bacterial infections were the two most frequent complications (10.2-54.7% and 3.5-21.0%, respectively). Despite the paucity of data and gaps in the reporting of HZ cases, available evidence indicate that the disease causes an important burden to older adults in India, suggesting that preventive strategies, along with recommendations to healthcare practitioners, can help mitigate the burden of HZ.

In India, the high neonatal and infant mortality rate is due in part to an increasing number of preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants. Given the immaturity of immune system, these infants are at an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). In this narrative review, we screened the scientific literature for data on the risk of VPDs, vaccination delay and factors related to it in Indian preterm and LBW infants. Although routine childhood vaccinations are recommended regardless of gestational age or birth weight, vaccination is often delayed. It exposes these infants to a higher risk of infections, their associated complications, and death. After-birth complications, lack of awareness of recommendations, vaccine efficacy and effectiveness and concerns related to safety are some of the common barriers to vaccination. Awareness campaigns might help substantiate the need for (and value of) vaccination in preterm and LBW infants.