Geographic and racial aspects of herpes zoster

Abstract

Geographic and racial factors have been reported in studies of the epidemiology of varicella and herpes zoster. To clarify further these relationships, data from five multicenter clinical trials of the antiviral agent famciclovir were examined (total N = 2074). Non-Caucasian racial group and tropical region were each significantly associated with younger age at zoster onset. In analyses of the non-Caucasian subgroups, Black and Asian patients did not significantly differ in age or sex; however, Black and Asian patients from tropical regions had significantly younger mean ages at onset and greater rash duration at enrollment than those from temperate regions. Controlling for sex and rash duration at enrollment, both tropical region and non-Caucasian racial group were found to be independently associated with a younger age at zoster onset. These results suggest that racial group and geographic region may be independent factors associated with age at onset in patients with herpes zoster.

A clinico-epidemiological study of herpes zoster

“…This may be due to population bias as the study group consisted predominantly of younger population or due to a true younger age incidence of herpes zoster in Asians and in tropical regions. 5 Another Indian study also revealed a higher incidence of herpes zoster in the younger population of 31-40 years (24%) and 21-30 years (19%). 6 However, Goh et al found the mean age of herpes zoster in their study to be 48.8 years and an equal sex ratio of 1:1.…”

“…This could probably be due to the younger population studied or a true incidence in Asians. 5 The skewed male predominant sex ratio could be because of predominantly male patients reporting with herpes zoster. The pattern of segmental involvement in herpes zoster seen in this study was similar to other studies.…”

The consistency of shingles and its significance for health monitoring

“…Incidence data from Scotland collected as part of the Continuous Morbidity Registration project [24] over the years 1996-1997 and based on a total of 1586 cases of shingles when similarly standardised gave a male rate of 361 and female 475. Reduced incidence has been reported in Afro-Caribbean populations though the relative importance of racial/geographical origin is not clear, both may be relevant [10,25] However, not withstanding some considerable sociodemographic changes in the United Kingdom over the last 30 years, the age and gender specific incidence of shingles reported in the WRS has remained remarkably constant.…”

“…The incidence increases with age but estimates of incidence in different countries in different time periods and in populations with different age and ethnic composition are difficult to compare. Ethnicity and geographical origin exert independent effects on the incidence of shingles [10]. Use of the incidence of shingles as a proxy to estimate the denominator, depends on its constancy, at least over a given time period and on a stable threshold for consultation.…”

Herpes zoster in the pediatric age group: study from a tertiary care hospital

“…1 The incidence of herpes zoster in the pediatric age group is low, and the risk of acquiring this disease increases with age. 2 Herpes zoster is rare in children and young adults, except in younger patients with AIDS, lymphoma, other malignancies, and other immune deficiencies and in patients who have received bone marrow or kidney transplants. 3 In adults HZ accounts for associated morbidity in the form of post herpetic neuralgia and herpes zoster ophthalmicus, but in children it is believed to be benign unless the child is immunocomprimised.…”