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Neuroinvasion and persistence of human herpesvirus 6 in children

M T Caserta1, C B Hall, K Schnabel

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|December 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) causes illness in children. This study found HHV-6 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and shows the central nervous system can be the sole site of HHV-6 persistence.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a common childhood pathogen.
  • HHV-6 infection is associated with febrile illness, encephalitis, and recurrent seizures in children.
  • Understanding HHV-6's neurological impact and persistence is crucial for pediatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and persistence of HHV-6 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of children.
  • To correlate HHV-6 detection with clinical information in pediatric patients.
  • To determine if the central nervous system can be the exclusive site of HHV-6 persistence.

Main Methods:

  • Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect HHV-6 DNA in paired CSF and PBMC samples from 487 children.
  • PBMC cultures were performed for HHV-6 isolation.
  • Clinical data was correlated with molecular findings.

Main Results:

  • HHV-6 DNA was detected in 14.8% of CSF samples.
  • Persistent HHV-6 infection was identified in 142 children via PCR in PBMC or CSF.
  • The central nervous system was the sole site of HHV-6 DNA persistence in 28.9% of these cases.

Conclusions:

  • HHV-6 DNA can be detected in the CSF during and after primary infection in children.
  • The central nervous system may serve as the exclusive reservoir for HHV-6 persistence.
  • These findings highlight the potential neurotropism and CNS involvement of HHV-6 in pediatric populations.

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