title: Human herpesvirus-6 and -7 infections in children: agents of roseola and other syndromes.
abstract: Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and -7 (HHV-7) infections typically are silent or manifested as mild febrile illnesses including classic roseola. In addition, case reports and epidemiologic data support the rare occurrence of HHV-6 encephalitis in immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent subjects. Although many other diseases have been putatively associated with HHV-6 or HHV-7, these associations are not well documented due to small numbers, use of tests incapable of distinguishing latent from replicating virus, potential virus cross-reactivity, or contradictory results. Further careful studies are needed to confirm these disease associations. Laboratory tests for diagnosing active HHV-6 and HHV-7 infections include virus culture, antigen detection, and polymerase chain reaction of cell-free biologic fluid. Although HHV-6 and HHV-7 are inhibited by several antiviral drugs in the laboratory, including ganciclovir and foscarnet, no clinical trials have assessed their benefit. Nevertheless, treatment may be considered for patients with serious HHV-6- or HHV-7-associated disease confirmed with accurate virologic tests.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 78229-3900, USA.
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Leach
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005077:Exanthema Subitum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000187:drug effects; D016199:Herpesvirus 7, Human / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents