| Herpes zoster infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease |
Dong Hyun Kim1, and Sang-Bum Kang2
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1Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
2Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, Korea |
Corresponding Author:
Sang-Bum Kang , Tel: +82-42-220-9501, Fax: +82-42-252-6807, Email: dxandtx@catholic.ac.kr
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Received: September 27, 2024; Revised: October 25, 2024; Accepted: December 17, 2024. |
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| Abstract |
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Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ), particularly those receiving immunosuppressive treatments such as corticosteroids, thiopurines, and biologics, which elevate the likelihood of varicella-zoster virus reactivation. Despite this, vaccination rates among patients with IBD remain low. Shingrix, a recombinant zoster vaccine, is generally preferred because of its high efficacy (> 90%) and safety profile in immunocompromised individuals, unlike the live attenuated zoster vaccine (Zostavax). This review underscores the importance of HZ vaccination for patients aged ≥ 50 years, as well as for younger patients receiving high-risk therapies such as JAK inhibitors. Tailored vaccination strategies based on individual risk factors, including disease severity, medication use, and ethnicity, may enhance prevention. Given the higher incidence of HZ in certain populations, such as those in Korea, vaccination recommendations should be adapted accordingly. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of Shingrix in younger patients with IBD to ensure sustained protection and prevent complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia. |
| Keywords:
Crohn disease ; Herpes zoster ; Herpes zoster vaccine ; Inflammatory bowel diseases ; Ulcerative colitis |
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