Evaluation of clinical characteristics, risk factors and prognosis of herpes zoster (shingles) infection in Türkiye: VARICOMP-adult-2 study

Objective The study aimed to determine the estimated prevalence of herpes zoster (HZ) infection in the adult population in Türkiye and the rates of HZ-associated complications and risk factors. Methods This retrospective, multicenter ( n = 11), cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2016 and January 2022 and included all patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with shingles following screening based on ICD-10 codes. The prevalence of HZ infection was calculated; rates of HZ-related complications (recurrence, hospitalization, postherpetic neuralgia [PHN]) and associated risk factors were determined. Results A total of 6114 HZ patients were included; the estimated 5-year HZ prevalence in Türkiye was 908.7 per 100,000 population. Of the patients, 851 (14.2%) were immunocompromised, 366 (6%) were hospitalized due to HZ, 284 (8.9%) experienced PHN, 97 (3.2%) experienced recurrence of the patients. Risk factors for PHN were older age (≥50 years [OR = 3.19; P < 0.001)], and trigeminal dermatome involvement (OR = 2.45; P = 0.006). Antiviral use was associated with reduced PHN risk (OR = 0.16; P < 0.001). Conclusions Our multicenter cross-sectional study revealed the high burden of HZ in Türkiye and highlighted the potential for increasing prevalence due to risk factors including aging and comorbidities.