Open AccessHerpes Zoster and Diabetes Mellitus: A Review
Author(s) -
Marianthi Papagianni,
Symeon Metallidis,
Κωνσταντίνος Τζιόμαλος
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
diabetes therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.907
H-Index - 33
ISSN - 1869-6961
DOI - 10.1007/s13300-018-0394-4
Subject(s) - medicine , diabetes mellitus , varicella zoster virus , vaccination , neuralgia , population , incidence (geometry) , shingles , postherpetic neuralgia , pediatrics , immunology , dermatology , virus , virology , alternative medicine , pathology , neuropathic pain , anesthesia , physics , environmental health , optics , endocrinology
Accumulating evidence suggests that diabetes mellitus (DM) represents an important risk factor for both herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. Moreover, post-herpetic neuralgia appears to be more severe and persistent in diabetic patients. On the other hand, a novel vaccine against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was recently introduced in clinical practice. Given the increased risk and severity of herpes zoster infection in patients with DM, this vaccine might be useful in this population. However, there are limited data regarding the efficacy and safety of vaccination against herpes zoster in the diabetic population. The aim of the present review is to discuss the incidence and consequences of herpes zoster infection in DM and to comment on the role of vaccination against VZV in these patients.