Human herpesvirus 6

Abstract

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a T-lymphotropic herpesvirus, which infects almost all children by the age of two years and persists lifelong. Two distinct variants of HHV-6, HHV-6A and HHV-6B, have been described, and the latter has been shown to be a common cause of acute febrile illnesses in young children, including exanthem subitum (roseola). HHV-6 has also been associated with a number of neurological disorders, including encephalitis and seizures, and the virus has been postulated to play a role in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic fatigue immunodeficiency syndrome (CFIDS). This review provides a critical summary of research conducted on HHV-6.

Human herpesvirus 6-associated uveitis with optic neuritis diagnosed by multiplex PCR

“…A number of studies have suggested that the central nervous system is the site of persistent HHV-6 infection [3,[6][7][8][9]. However, only 3 cases of ocular inflammation-associated HHV-6 have been reported [10][11][12].…”

“…HHV-6 infects almost all children by the age of 2 years and persists for a lifetime [3]. HHV-6 is the cause of exanthema subitum in children [4].…”

Bilateral optic neuropathy and unilateral tonic pupil associated with acute human herpesvirus 6 infection: a case report

“…A number of studies have suggested that the central nervous system can be a site for persistent HHV-6 infection [1,3,4,6,7]. Challoner et al [1] described plaque-associated expression of HHV-6 in multiple sclerosis.…”

“…HHV-6 is a T-lymphotropic herpesvirus, which infects almost all children by the age of 2 years and persists lifelong [3]. Prospective studies have shown that HHV-6 is the most common pathogen responsible for febrile illness in infants and in some infants is associated with febrile convulsions [6].…”

“…Prospective studies have shown that HHV-6 is the most common pathogen responsible for febrile illness in infants and in some infants is associated with febrile convulsions [6]. Two distinct variants of HHV-6-HHV-6A and HHV-6B-have been described, the B subtype commonly being responsible for primary infection in infants [3,6]. Primary infection in healthy adults is rare.…”