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Human herpesvirus 6 encephalitis associated with hypersensitivity syndrome
Yasuhiro Fujino1, Masashi Nakajima, Hirosato Inoue
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Johnan-ku, Fukuoka, Japan 814-0180.
Annals of Neurology
|July 12, 2002
Summary
Hypersensitivity syndrome, a severe drug reaction, may involve human herpesvirus 6 reactivation. This case report details a patient with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome and human herpesvirus 6 encephalitis, a novel association.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Hypersensitivity syndrome is a severe systemic drug reaction linked to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) reactivation.
- Aromatic anticonvulsants can induce toxic dermatitis, a potential trigger for hypersensitivity syndrome.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with toxic dermatitis from aromatic anticonvulsants.
- He subsequently developed acute limbic encephalitis and multiple organ failure.
- Clinical signs included skin rash, fever, eosinophilia, and atypical lymphocytosis, consistent with drug hypersensitivity syndrome.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited seroconversion for human herpesvirus 6.
- Human herpesvirus 6 DNA was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid via polymerase chain reaction.
- This case represents the first documented instance of human herpesvirus 6 encephalitis associated with drug hypersensitivity syndrome.
Implications:
- This finding suggests a potential role for human herpesvirus 6 in the pathogenesis of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome and associated neurological complications.
- Highlights the importance of considering viral reactivation in severe drug reactions.
- May inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for hypersensitivity syndrome.