Varicella zoster virus in inflammatory bowel disease patients: what every gastroenterologist should know

Publication

Varicella zoster virus in inflammatory bowel disease patients: what every gastroenterologist should know

Journal Paper/Review - Jun 27, 2020

Schreiner Philipp, Rogler Gerhard, Juillerat Pascal, Vavricka Stephan R, Vulliemoz Marianne, Restellini Sophie, Schoepfer Alain, Michetti Pierre, Brand Stephan, Maillard Michel H, Fehr Jan, Mueller Nicolas J, Biedermann Luc

Citation

Schreiner P, Rogler G, Juillerat P, Vavricka S, Vulliemoz M, Restellini S, Schoepfer A, Michetti P, Brand S, Maillard M, Fehr J, Mueller N, Biedermann L. Varicella zoster virus in inflammatory bowel disease patients: what every gastroenterologist should know. J Crohns Colitis 2020

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

J Crohns Colitis 2020

Publication Date

Jun 27, 2020

Issn Electronic

1876-4479

Brief description/objective

Primary Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) infection results in varicella (chickenpox) while its reactivation results in herpes zoster (HZ; shingles). Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are susceptible to complications of primary VZV infection and have an increased risk of HZ. Concerns of VZV and HZ infection in the IBD population has been highlighted by the emergence of JAK-inhibitors and their safety profile in this patient population such as tofacitinib for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The current pipeline of emerging therapies include novel molecules targeting multiple pathways including JAK/signal transducer and cytokine signalling pathways such as JAK/STAT. Hence VZV and HZ will be increasingly relevant for gastroenterologists treating IBD patients in light of these emerging therapies.