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Beta-herpesviruses in febrile children with cancer

Stephanie Yee-Guardino1, Kate Gowans, Belinda Yen-Lieberman

  • 1Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|April 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus and human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) are common causes of fever in children with cancer. These viruses should be considered in the differential diagnosis for febrile illnesses in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Febrile illnesses in pediatric oncology patients can have various etiologies.
  • Beta-herpesviruses, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B), are known opportunistic pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of beta-herpesviruses in febrile pediatric oncology patients.
  • To compare the incidence of these viral infections with a reference group of febrile pediatric solid-organ transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect viral DNA.
  • Patients were categorized into two groups: pediatric oncology patients and pediatric solid-organ transplant recipients.

Main Results:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was detected in 3.3% of cancer patients and 33% of transplant recipients.
  • Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) DNAemia was found in 13% of cancer patients and 33% of transplant recipients.
  • HHV-6B was more prevalent within 6 months of initiating immunosuppression in cancer patients (p=0.050).
  • HHV-6A and HHV-7 were not detected.

Conclusions:

  • CMV and HHV-6B are significant causes of febrile disease in pediatric oncology patients.
  • These viruses should be included in the differential diagnosis for fever in immunocompromised children.
  • Early detection and consideration of these viral infections are crucial for appropriate management.

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