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Human herpesvirus 6 and central nervous system disease in hematopoietic cell transplantation

Danielle M Zerr1

  • 1Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. zerr@u.washington.edu

Journal of Clinical Virology : the Official Publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
|February 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) commonly infects children and can reactivate in immunocompromised individuals, particularly after hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT). This reactivation is linked to central nervous system (CNS) complications, necessitating further research for better management.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) establishes lifelong latency following widespread childhood primary infection.
  • Reactivation of HHV-6 is a frequent complication in immunocompromised patients, especially hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients.
  • HHV-6 reactivation has been associated with various clinical sequelae in HCT recipients, including central nervous system (CNS) disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical significance of Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) reactivation in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients.
  • To highlight the association between HHV-6 reactivation and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction.
  • To underscore the need for improved diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for HHV-6 infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infections in immunocompromised hosts.
  • Analysis of case reports detailing HHV-6-associated encephalitis.
  • Examination of longitudinal observational studies correlating systemic HHV-6 reactivation with CNS dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) reactivation is common in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients.
  • A significant correlation exists between systemic HHV-6 reactivation and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction in HCT recipients.
  • Numerous individual cases of HHV-6-associated encephalitis have been documented.

Conclusions:

  • Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) reactivation poses a significant risk for central nervous system (CNS) disease in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients.
  • Current understanding necessitates further research to optimize diagnostic, preventive, and treatment approaches for HHV-6 reactivation.
  • Effective management strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in immunocompromised populations.

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