Human herpesvirus 6 as a possible cause of pneumonia.
Case reports and limited retrospective studies have established that human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) can be found in lung tissues from patients with pneumonia. Most cases of HHV-6-associated pneumonia involve immunocompromised patients, especially those who have received a bone marrow transplant or who have been infected by the human immunodeficiency virus. Additional data suggest that HHV-6 commonly reactivates in immunosuppressed individuals. The virus has been identified in a variety of organ systems, including the respiratory tract, without associated pathology. A better understanding of HHV-6 pathogenesis is needed before rational clinical intervention for HHV-6-associated pneumonias can be implemented.
Cone
R W
RW
Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*