Infectious Disease Compendium

Human Herpes Virus 6

Microbiology

A herpes virus, hence the name. There are 6A and 6B.

Epidemiologic Risks

Sex. Although data to support spread by heterosexual sex (PubMed) or blood transfusion are negative.

Syndromes

HHV-6A and HHV-6B infect almost everyone by age 2.

Exanthem subitum also known as roseola infantum or sixth disease. Usually 6B.

HHV-6A is more neurovirulent and is more frequently found in diseases such as multiple sclerosis and it may have a role in gliomas (PubMed).

HHV-6B reactivation occurs in transplant recipients, with encephalitis, bone marrow suppression, and pneumonitis.

Treatment

Valganciclovir, ganciclovir, cidofovir, and foscarnet have all been tried (PubMed).

Notes

Last update: 05/05/18