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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
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Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) DNA persistence and reactivation in healthy children

Mary T Caserta1, Michael P McDermott, Stephen Dewhurst

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA. mary_caserta@urmc.rochester.edu <mary_caserta@urmc.rochester.edu>

The Journal of Pediatrics
|October 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) DNA persists intermittently in most children after initial infection and does not cause illness. HHV6 reactivation can occur in healthy children without symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) is a common childhood infection.
  • Understanding HHV6 persistence and reactivation is crucial for pediatric health.
  • The role of HHV6 and HHV7 in childhood illness requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess HHV6 DNA persistence after primary infection in children.
  • To determine the frequency of HHV6 reactivation or re-infection.
  • To correlate HHV6/HHV7 presence with childhood illness.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of children aged 1-12 years with prior HHV6 infection.
  • Utilized HHV6 and HHV7 DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and RT-PCR.
  • Measured HHV6 plasma antibody titers and recorded illnesses via diaries and medical records.

Main Results:

  • HHV6 DNA was found in 89% of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples.
  • HHV6 reactivation/re-infection occurred in 1.1% of samples.
  • HHV6 DNA detection was intermittent in 76% and not linked to illness; absence of HHV6/HHV7 DNA correlated with illness.

Conclusions:

  • HHV6 DNA persists intermittently in most children post-primary infection, independent of illness.
  • HHV6 reactivation can happen in healthy children without apparent symptoms.
  • Further research into HHV6 and HHV7 dynamics in children is warranted.
Abstract

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