Global, regional, and national burden of varicella-zoster infections in adults aged 70 years and older from 1997 to 2021: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study

作者：Chenchen Yang, Zhenpeng Guo, Xiaowei Deng, Yanling Wei, Qun Zhang, Jianming Wang · 发表于：Journal of Infection and Public Health · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.jiph.2025.102868 · 被引用次数：6 · 研究领域：Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments、Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research、Facial Nerve Paralysis Treatment and Research

BACKGROUND: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection gives rise to varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (HZ, shingles). Primary VZV infection results in varicella, while HZ occurs as a consequence of latent VZV reactivation. Older adults are at a significantly elevated risk of HZ because of age-related immune senescence. This study was designed to evaluate the global burden and trends of VZV-related diseases (VHZ: varicella and HZ) among adults aged ≥70 years from 1997 to 2021 and to explore the influencing factors. In this specific age group, VHZ predominantly refers to HZ. METHODS: Data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 were employed to estimate the incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and rates of VHZ in older adults. Estimated annual percentage changes were utilized to quantify trends, and demographic decomposition analysis was conducted to determine the impacts of population aging, growth, and epidemiological changes. RESULTS: In 2021, a total of 4,539,519 new VHZ cases were reported globally among older adults, with an incidence rate of 918.2 per 100,000. The global DALYs attributable to VHZ amounted to 113,013, corresponding to a DALY rate of 22.9 per 100,000. From 1997 to 2021, although the incidence rate increased slightly, the DALY rate declined significantly. Population growth was the main driver of the increase in the number of cases, whereas enhanced disease management contributed to the reduction in DALYs. ...