Skin diseases associated with human herpesvirus 6, 7, and 8 infection

Relatively recently, the discovery and analysis of three new human herpesviruses, human herpesvirus (HHV)-6, HHV-7, and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as HHV-8, has contributed greatly to our understanding of the pathogenesis of several common dermatoses. HHV-6 and HHV-7 are closely related beta-herpesviruses that have been linked with roseola (mostly HHV-6), severe drug eruptions (HHV-6), and pityriasis rosea (mostly HHV-7). KSHV is a gamma-herpesvirus that is now believed to be the long sought after etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma. The evidence for these skin disease associations and key findings from recent basic science investigations on viral pathogenesis are discussed in this review. In addition, possible therapeutic implications of these research studies are explored.