Related Experiment Videos
Human herpesvirus-6 infection in children with first febrile seizures
S R Barone1, M H Kaplan, L R Krilov
1Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital-Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
Insights
Acute human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection is a common cause of first-time febrile convulsions in young children. This study documented HHV-6 in 11 out of 42 children evaluated for these seizures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Febrile convulsions are common in young children.
- The role of specific viral infections in febrile convulsions requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between acute human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection and first-time febrile convulsions.
- To determine the frequency of HHV-6 as a cause of febrile convulsions in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 42 children presenting with febrile convulsions.
- Utilized both virologic (viral culture) and serologic (acute- and convalescent-phase) methods to detect HHV-6 infection.
Main Results:
- Acute HHV-6 infection was documented in 11 children (approximately 26%).
- Eight cases were confirmed by viral culture.
- An additional three cases were identified through serologic studies.
Conclusions:
- Acute HHV-6 infection is a significant and frequent cause of first-time febrile convulsions in young children.
- Virologic and serologic testing are crucial for diagnosing HHV-6 associated febrile convulsions.
Abstract:
We evaluated febrile convulsions prospectively in 42 children to investigate the association between acute human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection and first-time febrile convulsions, using both virologic and serologic methods. Eight children had primary HHV-6 infection documented by viral culture and an additional three by acute- and convalescent-phase serologic studies. These findings indicate that acute HHV-6 infection is a frequent cause of febrile convulsions in young children.