varicella zoster vaccine

Herpes Zoster Incidence Differs Among Janus Kinase Inhibitors, While Permanent Discontinuation Rates Remain Comparable.

Sato Takeo T, Yamamoto Shotaro S, Nagatani Katsuya K, Nagafuchi Yasuo Y et al.

Comparative Sequence Analysis of the Envelope Gene of Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus Vaccine Strain With Currently Circulating Field Strains.

Kaje Keerthi K, Marinaik Chandranaik B CB, Gomes Amitha Reena AR, Rizwan Apsana A et al.

The present study was undertaken with the objective of performing comparative sequence analysis of the envelope (E) gene of Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV) vaccine strain P9605 with the circulating field strains. The study was taken up as the currently used KFDV vaccine strain, KFDV P9605, was isolated in the 1960s. For this study, we designed two sets of primers targeting the complete amplification of the E gene of KFDV. The sequencing was performed by the Sanger method, and the deduced sequence of the vaccine virus was deposited in GenBank with accession number PX067005. This sequence obtained for the vaccine virus was aligned and compared with sequences of GenBank-deposited circulating field strains. We also performed comparative sequence analysis of the Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) vaccine seed virus having passaged twice in mouse brain with the vaccine seed virus passaged six times in mouse brain to investigate whether multiple passages in mouse brain will lead to genetic mutation in the immunologically important E gene. The phylogenetic analysis revealed seven amino acid mutations in the field strains at positions A123T, S158N, D178E, D239N, A313S, M429I, and G479A when compared with the vaccine strain. We did not find any mutations at the critical fusogenic segment (residues 98-113) in the E gene of currently circulating field strains compared to the vaccine seed virus. The study found no genetic variations in the E gene of the KFD virus passed two times and passed six times in mouse brain. We performed SWISS-MODEL homology modeling, AlphaFold protein analysis, and Ramachandran plot analysis to study the E protein structures and stability. The observations made in this study suggest slow evolutionary drift and conserved structural stability of the envelope gene of KFDV ever since its emergence 7 decades ago; however, the functional implications of these amino acid substitutions need further studies on their roles in viral infectivity, transmission, and impact on immunity.

Reactivation of Varicella-Zoster Virus Keratitis after Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccination: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Mejía-Martínez Santiago S, Mejía-Castro Sara M SM

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) keratitis following recombinant herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination is rare, and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Sporadic cases of ocular inflammatory reactivation have been reported after vaccination, particularly in patients with a history of HZ infection. A 68-year-old woman with a history of trigeminal HZ without prior corneal involvement developed VZV keratitis 2 months after receiving the recombinant HZ vaccine (Shingrix®). The condition progressed to neurotrophic keratitis, requiring advanced ocular surface therapy, including autologous serum and topical insulin, with favorable visual and symptomatic outcomes. Reactivation of VZV keratitis after HZ vaccination is an uncommon but clinically relevant event. Ocular reactivation may occur even in patients without previous corneal involvement and may lead to chronic complications, supporting the need for close ophthalmologic follow-up in patients with a history of HZ infection.

Bilateral Maculopathy in an Infant Following Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella-Zoster (MMRV) Vaccination.

Ben-Avi Ravid R, Amer Radgonde R

To report on the long-term clinical outcome of a healthy infant who presented with posterior uveitis following the administration of the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine. Descriptive case report. A 13-month-old infant presented with bilateral visual loss two weeks after receiving the MMRV vaccine. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral retinitis and retinal vasculitis with exudative retinal detachment. Extensive infectious work-up was conducted including serologic exams and PCR testing of blood, aqueous humor, cerebrospinal fluid and urine. Serological tests for measles yielded positive IgM and IgG titers. PCR testing for measles in the aqueous humor and urine was negative. Neurologic assessment and neuroimaging were unremarkable, excluding central nervous system involvement. Empiric systemic antiviral and corticosteroid therapy was initiated. Gradual resolution of posterior uveitis ensued, culminating in bilateral macular scars. Over a six-year follow-up period, the patient demonstrated stable ocular findings with no evidence of recurrent inflammation or systemic autoimmune disease. Final visual acuity was 6/9 in each eye. This case represents a rare occurrence of non-necrotizing retinitis following MMRV vaccination. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the sequential OCT characteristics of presumed measles vaccine-associated retinitis. The prolonged follow-up period supports the absence of an alternative etiology and provides valuable insight into the long-term course and visual prognosis of vaccine-associated retinopathy.