Human herpesvirus 6 infection
Journal
Acta Paediatrica Sinica
Journal Volume
38
Journal Issue
1
Pages
1-7
Date Issued
1997
Author(s)
Abstract
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) was identified in 1986 and roseola infantum was the first disease linked to HHV-6. To date, a large variety of clinical syndromes have been associated with HHV-6. Age of the patient is the most important factor when considering HHV-6 as a possible cause of infection. It is a major pathogen for children aged 6 to 24 months. In addition, HHV-6 is an important pathogen in the immunocompromised host and may cause ailments of the central nervous system. These later two conditions are most likely to be benefited from the application of anti-viral drug when it becomes available. HHV-6 is an example that virus hides within the immunologic cells and displays a complex interaction with the host cells. The discovery of HHV-6 offers a lesson for clinicians to anticipate new viruses deriving from unexpected sites within the human body; furthermore, HHV-6 provides a model for studying the clinical role of a new herpesvirus.
Subjects
encephalitis; HHV-6; reactivation
SDGs
Other Subjects
disease association; exanthema subitum; human; human herpesvirus 6; immune deficiency; infant; infection sensitivity; major clinical study; pathogenesis; preschool child; review; virus cell interaction; virus isolation; Herpesviridae Infections; Herpesvirus 6, Human; Humans
Type
review