What autoimmune disease causes recurrent shingles
What autoimmune disease causes recurrent shingles Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. While many autoimmune disorders have well-known symptoms and affected organs, some can also influence the immune system’s ability to control latent viral infections, such as varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox and shingles. One particularly intriguing connection is between certain autoimmune conditions and recurrent shingles, also known as herpes zoster.
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of VZV, which lies dormant within nerve tissues after an initial chickenpox infection. Under normal circumstances, the immune system keeps the virus in check, preventing reactivation. However, when immune surveillance diminishes or is compromised, the virus can reactivate, leading to shingles. Several factors increase the risk of shingles, including age, stress, and immunosuppression. Among autoimmune diseases, certain conditions are associated with a higher incidence of recurrent shingles, primarily due to their effects on immune function.
One autoimmune disease that stands out in this context is autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). Although relatively rare, ALPS is characterized by defective apoptosis (programmed cell death) of lymphocytes, leading to an expanded population of abnormal lymphocytes. Patients with ALPS often have immune dysregulation, which can impair the body’s ability to mount an effective response to latent viral infections. This immune dysregulation can predispose individuals to recurrent infections, including repeated episodes of shingles.
Another autoimmune disorder linked to recurrent shingles is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and tissues. It often involves a combination of immune dysregulation, complement deficiency, and medication-induced immunosuppression. Patients with SLE are more susceptible to infections due to both the disease process and immunosuppressive therapies such as corticosteroids and immunomodulators. Consequently, their compromised immune systems may fail to suppress VZV reactivation effectively, leading to recurrent shingles episodes.
Similarly, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, especially those on immunosuppressive drugs like biologics and corticosteroids, have an increased risk of herpes zoster reactivation. The immune suppression necessary to control RA symptoms diminishes the body’s ability to contain dormant viruses, resulting in potential recurrent shingles.
It is important to recognize that the common thread among these autoimmune diseases is immune dysregulation or suppression, which hampers the body’s capacity to keep VZV dormant. This immune compromise creates a conducive environment for the virus to reactivate multiple times.
Preventative strategies, including shingles vaccination, are recommended for individuals with autoimmune diseases who are at increased risk. The recombinant zoster vaccine has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of shingles and its recurrence, even in immunocompromised populations. Managing the autoimmune disease effectively while minimizing immunosuppressive therapy can also help reduce the risk of recurrent viral reactivation.
In conclusion, autoimmune diseases that involve significant immune dysregulation or require immunosuppressive treatment are linked to a higher likelihood of recurrent shingles. Understanding the connection between immune system health and viral reactivation emphasizes the importance of preventative care and vigilant management for individuals with autoimmune conditions.
