20 Jun 2025 • Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation detected was detected in 23.2% of patients with acute ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack via cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

The incidence of VZV reactivation was more frequent among those with intracranial artery involvement compared to those without (28% vs. 3%).

Notably, 17% of VZV-positive patients experienced recurrent ischemic stroke within one year.

The stroke recurrence rates were comparable despite short‐term antiviral therapy (14.8% vs. 21%, P=0.593).

However, HIV-positive patients with acute ischemic stroke had a markedly elevated risk of both VZV reactivation (57% vs. 20%) and recurrent stroke risk (42.8% vs. 5.0%) than HIV-negative individuals, regardless of antiviral treatment. The findings underscore the need for closer surveillance in this subgroup.

Source: JAHA | Read Full Story