Varicella zoster virus reactivation during or immediately following treatment of tegumentary leishmaniasis with antimony compounds

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2014 Jul;109(4):499-501. doi: 10.1590/0074-0276130563. Epub 2014 Jul 3.

Abstract

Antimony compounds are the cornerstone treatments for tegumentary leishmaniasis. The reactivation of herpes virus is a side effect described in few reports. We conducted an observational study to describe the incidence of herpes zoster reactivation during treatment with antimony compounds. The global incidence of herpes zoster is approximately 2.5 cases per 1,000 persons per month (or 30 cases per 1,000 persons per year). The estimated incidence of herpes zoster in patients undergoing antimony therapy is higher than previously reported.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antimony / adverse effects*
  • Antimony / therapeutic use
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Herpes Zoster / etiology*
  • Herpes Zoster / virology
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Virus Activation

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Antimony