The Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), an infectious virus from the herpes virus family, is primarily knowledge to cause varicella in children and shingles in adults. But lately, this virus has also been reported to trigger severe complications like Central Nervous System (CNS) infections.

Researchers from Fujita Health University, Japan, Conducted A Comprehensive Study Spanning 10 years (2013–2022), to identify the vzv-rested infections due to the CNS.

Their study reveals a marked increase in adult vzv-related CNS infections, particularly since 2019. The findings were published in Emerging infectious diseases,

The Study was LED by Professor Tetsushi Yoshikawa, Along with Hiroki Miura and Ayami Yoshikane from the Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine.

The Researchers Analyzed Serebrospinal Fluid Samples of 615 Adult Patients with Suspected CNS Infections. Vzv dna was most frequently detected in these patients, with its presence in 10.2% of the cases, and aseptic meningitis being the most common infection.

The data from 2019 to 2022 revised that there was a noticeable risk in vzv dna-positive cases, forming a distinct temporal cluster during this period. Professor yoshikawa highlighted the results of the patient demographic analysis, reporting that “the proportion of aseptic meningitis increasing from 50% between 2013 and 2018 to 86.8.8% betwayen 2017 and 2022.”

He further adds, “Similar to the risk in herpes zoster cases through vzv reactiveation in the eliderly, we believe this increase is also linked to vzv reactivation.”

The Universal Varicella Vaccination, Introduced in Japan in 2014, Has Reduced The Natural Booster Effects from Re-Exposure to the Virus. This potential Accelerates the immunity decline, lead to vzv reactiveation, especially in cases like shingles.

The researchrs emphasize the connection between the vaccination and the current Scenario, Saying, “The Increase in Vzv-Induced CNS Infections Coincides with changes with changes in VARCELLA VACCINATION PROCASISS Need for Better Preventive Strategies. “

Furthermore, The Researchers Examined trends in vzv-induced CNS infection through As a result, it was confirmed that there was an acceptance of vzv-Related CNS infections from 2019 to 2022. Covid-19 vaccines.

“Further Studies are needed to Undrstand these interactions,” Yoshikawa Notes. None of the eligible patients in this study had received the zoster vaccine, which was introduced in japan in 2016. Increasing the number of vzv-Related CNS Infections Undections Undections Underscors the importance of zoster Vaccification in in Adults.

The research team stresses the broader implications of their findings, stating that the reactivation of vzv in the cns is linked to an increase risk of dementia, involuding alzheimer’s dies. They hypotesize, “If the prevention of vzv-related aseptic meningitis through herpes zoster vaccination is possible, these vaccinations clock play a Pivotal Role in Mitigating these Risks of Dementia.”

To address the growing concern, The Research Team Advocates Expeding Public Health Initiatives to Promote Zoster Vaccination Among at-Risk Population.

“Our Research underscores the Necessity of Proactive Measures to Prevent not just just shingles, but also Severe Neurological Complications Associated With Vzv,” Explains yoshikawawa.

With the Rise of the aging population and cns infections, the study calls for Urgent Action to Evaluate and Implement Comprehensive Vaccination Strategies to Prevent CNS Infections in the Future.