Clinical indications and diagnostic techniques of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection. |
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Authors: | G R Krueger D V Ablashi S F Josephs S Z Salahuddin U Lembke A Ramon G Bertram |
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Affiliation: | Immunopathology Laboratory, University of Cologne, F.R.G. |
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Abstract: | The sixth member of the human herpesvirus family, HHV-6, causes early childhood infection with subsequent latency and antibody prevalence of about 60-80%. Active infection is related to a number of acute and chronic diseases such as exanthem subitum, certain cases of infectious mononucleosis and other immunoproliferative syndromes, autoimmune disorders and so-called postinfectious chronic fatigue syndrome. The clinical diagnosis of HHV-6 associated diseases requires detailed clinical differential diagnostic procedures and meticulous serological testing with exclusion of other herpesvirus infections or cross-reactivity between such infections. Diagnostic efforts, however, are warranted by certain indications for therapeutic intervention. The current review summarizes indications, techniques and limitations for the serological diagnosis of HHV-6 infection. |
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