RE: GNL - Human herpesvirus-6 and -7 infections in children: agents of roseola and other

[Guest guest]

Human herpesvirus-6 and -7 infections in children: agents of roseola and

other

syndromes.

Leach CT

Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San

78229-3900, USA.

Curr Opin Pediatr 2000 Jun;12(3):269-74

Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and -7 (HHV-7) infections typically are silent

or

manifested as mild febrile illnesses including classic roseola. In addition,

case reports and epidemiologic data support the rare occurrence of HHV-6

encephalitis in immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent subjects.

Although

many other diseases have been putatively associated with HHV-6 or HHV-7,

these

associations are not well documented due to small numbers, use of tests

incapable of distinguishing latent from replicating virus, potential virus

cross-reactivity, or contradictory results. Further careful studies are

needed

to confirm these disease associations. Laboratory tests for diagnosing

active

HHV-6 and HHV-7 infections include virus culture, antigen detection, and

polymerase chain reaction of cell-free biologic fluid. Although HHV-6 and

HHV-7

are inhibited by several antiviral drugs in the laboratory, including

ganciclovir and foscarnet, no clinical trials have assessed their benefit.

Nevertheless, treatment may be considered for patients with serious HHV-6-

or

HHV-7-associated disease confirmed with accurate virologic tests.

PMID: 10836165, UI: 20295872