Additional Evidence that Pityriasis Rosea Is Associated with Reactivation of Human Herpesvirus-6 and -7

Abstract

To elucidate the role of human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 and -7 (HHV-7) in pityriasis rosea (PR), we measured their DNA load in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and tissues using a calibrated quantitative real-time PCR assay. We also studied HHV-6-and HHV-7-specific antigens in skin by immunohistochemistry and anti-HHV-7 neutralizing activity using a syncytia-inhibition test. Plasma and PBMC were obtained from 31 PR patients (14 children, 17 adults), 12 patients with other dermatites, and 36 blood donors. Skin biopsies were obtained from 15 adults with PR and 12 with other dermatites. HHV-6 and HHV-7 DNA were detected in 17% and in 39% of PR plasmas, respectively, but in no controls. HHV-7 viremia was associated with a higher PBMC load and, in adults, with systemic symptoms. HHV-7, but not HHV-6, levels in PBMC were higher in PR patients than in controls. HHV-6 and HHV-7 antigens were found only in PR skin (17% and 67% of patients analyzed, respectively), indicating a productive infection. Syncytia-neutralizing antibodies were found in PR patients and controls, but their titers were lower in patients with HHV-7 viremia. These data confirm the causal association between PR and active HHV-7 or, to a lesser extent, HHV-6 infection.

A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Efficacy of Oral Acyclovir in the Treatment of Pityriasis Rosea

“…In-vitro experiments have demonstrated that HHV-7, but not HHV-6, may be reactivated from latently infected blood mononuclear cells by T-cell activation [24]. However, latent HHV-6 could be recovered when co-infection with HHV-7 was established, suggesting HHV-7 can provide a transacting function allowing the reactivation of latent HHV-6 [24]. It has also been shown that reactivation of one virus may occur with primary infection of the other.…”

Whole Genome Analysis of Human Papillomavirus Genotype 11 from Cervix, Larynx and Lung

“…The standard organic method (phenolchloroform) and alcohol precipitation of the specimens as described by Broccolo F et al (Broccolo et al, 2005) was applied for DNA extraction. The purified substance was re-suspended in a final volume of 30 µl of deionized water.…”

Comparative Study of Effectiveness of Oral Acyclovir with Oral Erythromycin in the Treatment of Pityriasis Rosea

“…6,7 Recent studies incriminate Human Herpes Viruses (HHV), mainly HHV7 and HHV6, as the causative agents. [8][9][10][11] Studies are now focused on implementing antivirals such…”