Human Herpesvirus-6 may be Neurologically Injurious in Some Immunocompetent Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is known to affect the central nervous system in immunocompromised individuals.
• The impact and presentation of HHV-6 infection in immunocompetent children are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neurologic manifestations and prognosis of HHV-6 infection in immunocompetent pediatric patients.
• To determine the clinical features and outcomes associated with HHV-6 in children without underlying immune deficiencies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records for 252 immunocompetent children (1 month to 18 years) who underwent cerebrospinal fluid examination.
• Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for HHV-6 and other viruses in cerebrospinal fluid samples.

Main Results:

• Of 252 immunocompetent children, 9 tested positive for HHV-6. These included cases of encephalitis (3), meningitis (3), complex febrile seizure (1), and fever alone (2).
• HHV-6 positive patients, particularly those with encephalitis, were younger and had a higher incidence of status epilepticus compared to those without HHV-6.
• Outcomes were worse in the seizure group, especially with status epilepticus. All 3 HHV-6 positive encephalitis patients experienced neurologic sequelae.

Conclusions:

• HHV-6 infection in immunocompetent children is not always benign and can lead to significant neurologic complications.
• The study suggests a potential association between HHV-6 and poorer neurologic prognosis, including encephalitis and sequelae, in this population.