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Ex Vivo Infection of Murine Epidermis with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
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Human herpesvirus 6

S Dewhurst1, D Skrincosky, N van Loon

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, 575 Elmwood Avenue, Box 672, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. dwrt@bphvax.biophysics.rochester.edu

Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
|October 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infects most children and persists lifelong. This review critically summarizes research on HHV-6, including its variants and associated illnesses.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a widespread T-lymphotropic virus infecting nearly all children by age two.
  • Two variants, HHV-6A and HHV-6B, exist, with HHV-6B commonly causing febrile illnesses like roseola in young children.
  • HHV-6 is implicated in neurological disorders (encephalitis, seizures) and potentially in AIDS, MS, and CFIDS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a critical summary of current research on Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on HHV-6.
  • Analysis of research on HHV-6 variants (HHV-6A and HHV-6B).
  • Examination of associations between HHV-6 and various diseases.

Main Results:

  • HHV-6 establishes lifelong infection in humans.
  • HHV-6B is a significant cause of pediatric febrile illness, including roseola.
  • Evidence suggests HHV-6 involvement in neurological conditions and immune-related diseases.

Conclusions:

  • HHV-6 is a clinically significant virus with diverse manifestations.
  • Further research is warranted to understand HHV-6's role in chronic and neurological diseases.
  • Understanding HHV-6 pathogenesis is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

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