Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) was first isolated and characterized from patients with lymphoproliferative disorders and was originally named human B-lymphotropic virus. Its name was changed to human herpesvirus 6 as its tropism was further characterised.
HHV-6 is a member of the Herpesviridae family. Its genetic and biologic similarities to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) have prompted its classification in the beta herpesvirus subfamily (genus Roseolovirus, along with human herpesvirus 7).
HHV-6 is recognised as a common childhood infection, which causes roseola (roseola infantum, exanthem subitum, sixth disease). Symptoms include high fever, a maculopapular rash that begins on the face or trunk, complications are rare. Often cases in children are asymptomatic with no roseola. A proportion of children present with febrile seizures.
Primary infection in adults is not common, it presents as a mononucleosis like syndrome with lymphadenopathy, or hepatitis.
HHV-6 disease in immunocompromised adults is usually due to reactivation of latent infection. HHV-6 may be an important opportunistic infection of organ transplant recipients and HIV sero-positive individuals.
HHV-6 is most evident as a cause of disease in Bone marrow transplant recipients.
Microbiology - Virology
DHHV
Testing is batched daily Monday-Friday at approximately 9.30am, with results available from mid-late afternoon.
Add-ons can be made if an appropriate sample has already been received for other testing. Please call Virology to discuss.
Exanthem subitum (Sixth disease)
HHV6 - PCR
Roseola infantum
3 days
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