Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:27
Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
Published on: December 18, 2012
[Herpesvirus 6. What attention does it deserve in general practice?]
1Service de Dermatopathologie, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgique.
Revue Medicale De Liege
|August 17, 2006
Summary
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) causes roseola infantum in children but can lead to severe disease, including fatal encephalopathy, in immunocompromised individuals. Ganciclovir is the primary treatment for diagnosed HHV6 infections in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
Context:
- Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), a beta-herpesviridae family member, typically causes asymptomatic primary infection in childhood, manifesting as exanthema subitum (roseola infantum or 6th disease).
- While generally benign, HHV6 reactivation poses significant risks, particularly in immunocompromised or grafted patients, potentially leading to fatal systemic diseases like encephalopathy.
Purpose:
- To review the clinical significance of HHV6 primary infection and reactivation.
- To discuss the potential complications of HHV6 infection during pregnancy and in newborns.
- To outline current therapeutic strategies for HHV6 infections.
Summary:
- Primary HHV6 infection, common in childhood, is usually mild. However, reactivation can cause severe, life-threatening conditions, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- HHV6 poses risks during pregnancy, potentially causing spontaneous abortion or neonatal neurological complications via transplacental infection.
- While several antivirals show in vitro activity, ganciclovir (GCV) is the recommended first-line treatment for diagnosed HHV6 infections in immunocompromised patients.
Impact:
- Highlights the dichotomy of HHV6 infection: a common childhood illness versus a serious threat in vulnerable populations.
- Underscores the importance of considering HHV6 in cases of unexplained fetal loss or neonatal neurological issues.
- Provides guidance on the management of HHV6 infections, emphasizing ganciclovir for immunocompromised patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
01:28Herpes
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
01:20Chickenpox
Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...