HHV-6 reactivation is often associated with CMV infection in liver transplant patients.
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection has been recently reported in liver transplant patients. HHV-6 is closely related to cytomegalo-virus (CMV), and some interaction between the viruses has been suggested. In this study, the post-transplant HHV-6 antigenemia was investigated in relation to symptomatic CMV infections in adult liver transplant patients. CMV infections were diagnosed by the pp65 antigenemia test and by viral cultures. HHV-6 infections were demonstrated by the HHV-6 antigenemia test and by serology. Significant symptomatic CMV infection was diagnosed in 42 of 75 patients during the first 6 months after transplantation. All CMV infections were successfully treated with ganciclovir. Concurrent HHV-6 antigenemia was detected in 21 (50%) of 42 patients with CMV infection. All HHV-6 infections were reactivations. HHV-6 also responded to the antiviral treatment, but with less clear effect. In conclusion, HHV-6 reactivation is often associated with CMV infection in liver transplant patients. The results support the suggestion that CMV and HHV-6 may have interactions.
Lautenschlager
I
I
Department of Virology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland. Irmeli.Lautenschlager@huch.fi
Linnavuori
K
K
Lappalainen
M
M
Suni
J
J
Höckerstedt
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000097:blood; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000188:drug therapy; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000276:immunology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014775:Virus Activation
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents