Inherited Chromosomally Integrated Human Herpesvirus 6: An Unexpected Finding in a Septic Neonate

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2021 Jan;40(1):74-75. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000002905.

Abstract

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) can integrate its genome in human chromosomes and be germline transmitted (inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6). We report a case of chromosomally integrated HHV-6 inherited from the mother unexpectedly diagnosed in a septic neonate. Since HHV-6 has recently been included in multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays for meningitis/encephalitis, diagnosing inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6 status is essential to avoid misdiagnosis of active HHV-6 infection and unnecessary antiviral treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Neonatal Sepsis*
  • Virus Integration / genetics*