Seroepidemiology of human herpesvirus 6 infection in normal children and adults

Abstract

Sera from normal subjects were examined for reactivity to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) by the anticomplement immunofluorescence test. Of a total of 179 serum specimens from donors aged from under 10 to 59 years, 141 specimens showed positive reactivity against HHV-6. The positive rate was 70 to 83% for all age groups, and there were no substantial differences in the positive rates. Sera from younger children aged from 0 to 21 months were then examined in detail. The antibody-positive rate of children aged from 0 to 5 months decreased from 52 to 5%, but it gradually increased by 12 months. Almost all children had the antibody against this virus after 13 months of age.

Association of human herpesvirus 6 reactivation with the flaring and severity of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome

“…HHV-6 generally infects people in early childhood and results in a latent infection of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells. 18,19 Reactivated HHV-6 is pathogenic for both normal and immunocompromised patients.…”

Infection of infants with human herpesvirus type 6 may be associated with reduced allergic sensitization and T‐helper type 2 development

“…Herpesviruses are among the most common human viral pathogens. Human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) is often the first herpesvirus encountered by the young child, and infection generally occurs during the first year of life [6,7]. HHV-6 causes exanthema subitum, a benign disease in young children characterized by high fever for 3-5 days.…”

Inhibition of Transcription of the Beta Interferon Gene by the Human Herpesvirus 6 Immediate-Early 1 Protein

“…HHV-6 is a member of the betaherpesvirus subfamily, together with HCMV and HHV-7. HHV-6 has a worldwide distribution, and by the age of three, most individuals have contracted an HHV-6 infection (57,79). Transmission likely occurs through saliva, where cell-free HHV-6 is present in nearly all individuals (42,82).…”