Successful treatment of human herpesvirus-6 encephalitis after bone marrow transplantation.
We report two cases of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6)-associated encephalitis in patients after BMT. Both patients reported distinct neurological symptoms with disorientation, sleepiness and loss of short-term memory. Diagnosis was based on PCR analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) positive for HHV-6 variant B-DNA. After institution of therapy with foscarnet in both cases, neurological symptoms improved and in one patient clearance of HHV-6-DNA from CSF was demonstrated. These cases show that HHV-6 infection has to be considered in patients with neurological symptoms following BMT and effective treatment of HHV-6 encephalitis is possible if instituted early.
Bethge
W
W
Department of Hematology/Oncology/Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Tübingen, Germany.
Beck
R
R
Jahn
G
G
Mundinger
P
P
Kanz
L
L
Einsele
H
H
D000328:Adult; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D017245:Foscarnet / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
D004279:DNA, Viral; D017245:Foscarnet