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Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Newborn: Active Infection or Chromosomal Integration?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article describes a case of congenital human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection in a five-day-old infant initially suspected of having meningoencephalitis. Despite positive detection of HHV-6 in cerebrospinal fluid, subsequent evaluation suggested vertical transmission of integrated virus rather than acute infection. High viral loads in cerebral spinal fluid, maternal blood, and neonatal blood supported this hypothesis. Normal neurodevelopmental evaluations during the first year of life further supported the suspicion of integrated HHV-6. This case highlights the importance of differentiating active HHV-6 infection from integrated virus and advocates whole blood quantitative PCR testing to avoid unnecessary antiviral treatment in immunocompetent infants.

Source: Belgian Journal of Paediatrics

Authors: Visy, D., Vuckovic, S., Jourdain, S, Smeesters, Pierre, Mignon, C.

Institutions: Queen Fabiola Children's University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles

Language: English

Topic: Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7137736391

FWCI:

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Related to: 10