Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease)

Herpes zoster is a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (synonyms: varicella zoster virus (VZV) – also spelled varicella zoster virus and referred to as human herpes virus-3), which has survived inconspicuously for many years in the area of the spinal and/or cranial nerve ganglia. Due to a weakened immune system, endogenous reactivation then occurs with the familiar symptoms.

Etiology (Causes)

Biographic causes (= increased risk of zoster).

  • Age – older age: The disease occurs predominantly between the ages of 60 and 70. By age 85, approximately 50% of the population has experienced at least one episode of herpes zoster.

Behavioral causes (= increased risk of zoster).

  • Consumption of stimulants
    • Alcohol
    • Tobacco (smoking, passive smoking)
  • Overweight (BMI ≥ 25; obesity).

Disease-related causes (= increased risk of zoster: per se or therapy-related).

Medication

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunosuppressive therapy
  • Statin therapy, dose-dependent (increased by 13% (odds ratio [OR]: 1.13; 95% confidence interval between 1.11 and 1.15))
  • Steroid therapy (corticosteroids/cortisol; dexamethasone).