Ambispective epidemiological observational study of varicella-zoster virus infection: An 18 year-single-center Bulgarian experience  

作　　者：Hristiana M Batselova Tsvetelina V Velikova 

机构地区：[1]Department of Epidemiology and Disaster Medicine,Medical University,Plovdiv,University Hospital“St George”,Plovdiv 4000,Bulgaria [2]Medical Faculty,Sofia University St.Kliment Ohridski,Sofia 1407,Bulgaria

出　　处：《World Journal of Virology》2024年第3期82-88,共7页世界病毒学杂志

基　　金：the European Union-NextGenerationEU,through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria,No.BG-RRP-2.004-0008.

摘　　要：BACKGROUND Varicella(chickenpox)and herpes zoster(shingles)are outcomes of varicella-zoster virus(VZV)infection,and understanding their incidence trends is vital for public health planning.AIM To conduct an ambispective epidemiological study by analyzing the main epidemiological characteristics of VZV infection during an 18 year-period(2000-2018).METHODS We used descriptive and epidemiological methods to characterize chickenpox in Bulgaria,the city of Plovdiv and the region for a period of 18 years(2000-2018).RESULTS The average incidence of varicella-zoster infection for the period 2000–2018 in the Plovdiv region was estimated at 449.58‰.The highest relative share of the infection was assessed in the month of January at 13.6%,and the lowest in the months of August and September at 2.9%(both months).The age group most affected by the infection was 1-4 years,followed by 5-9 years.This corresponds to the so-called"pro-epidemic population"-a phenomenon typical for airborne infections,confirming their mass impact on the perpetuation of VZV infection.CONCLUSION Our findings reveal significant insights into VZV epidemiology,including age-specific incidence rates,clinical manifestations,and vaccination impact.This comprehensive analysis contributes to the broader understanding of VZV infec-tion dynamics and may inform evidence-based preventive measures.

关 键 词：Varicella-zoster virus Epidemiology Incidence trends CHICKENPOX SHINGLES Public health Pro-epidemic population Age-specific incidence Clinical manifestations Vaccination impact 

分 类 号：R511.5[医药卫生—内科学] R181.3[医药卫生—临床医学]