Disseminated Herpes Zoster with Decreased CD4 Counts in a HIV-Infected Patient

Abstract

Herpes zoster is typically a blister rash involving a single skin group, caused by the reactivation of primary varicella zoster virus infection. Disseminated herpes zoster refers to the presence of more than 20 small blisters outside the primary or adjacent skin, which is rare and usually occurs in individuals with weakened immune function. This case described a patient diagnosed with disseminated herpes zoster, with a decrease in CD4 count (379 cells/mm3) and certain skin lesions. He was subsequently screened positive for HIV. Also, we summarized other studies on the CD4 value of HIV patients with herpes zoster. Overall, for herpes zoster patients with decreased CD4 levels and certain skin manifestations, such as diffuse, ulcerative, or pustular lesions, clinicians should be aware of HIV infection.

Immunogenicity and safety of live attenuated and recombinant/inactivated varicella zoster vaccines in people living with HIV: A systematic review

“…Therefore, in this review, we could not evaluate the vaccine efficacy, due to the lack of data in literature, for the prevention of HZ and HZ-related complications in PLWH as disseminated infection, stroke or ischemic events. 70–72 …”