Dynamics of chronic active herpesvirus-6 infection in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: data acquisition for computer modeling.
Ten adult patients with persistent active HHV-6 variant A infection and clinical chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were studied over a period of 24 months after initial clinical diagnosis. CFS was diagnosed according to IIIP-revised CDC-criteria as defined by the CFS Expert Advisory Group to the German Federal Ministry of Health in 1994. Changes in HHV-6 antibody titer, viral DNA load, peripheral blood T lymphocytes and subpopulations, as well as CD4/CD8 cell ratio and cell death (apoptosis) were monitored. Data were collected for comparison with respective changes in acute HHV-6 infection and as a basis for future computer simulation studies. The results showed variable but slightly elevated numbers of HHV-6 DNA copies in the blood of patients with CFS, while PBL (peripheral blood lymphocyte) apoptosis rates were clearly increased. CD4/CD8 cell ratios varied from below 1 up to values as seen in autoimmune disorders. Contrary to acute HHV-6 infection, T lymphocytes do not exhibit the usual response to HHV-6, that is elevation of mature and immature populations suggesting a certain degree of unresponsiveness. The data suggest that persistent low-dose stimulation by HHV-6 may favor imbalanced immune response rather than overt immune deficiency. This hypothesis requires confirmation through additional functional studies.
Krueger
G R
GR
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, 6431 Fannin St, MSB 2.246, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. Gerhard.Krueger@uthtmcedu
Koch
B
B
Hoffmann
A
A
Rojo
J
J
Brandt
M E
ME
Wang
G
G
Buja
L M
LM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D003625:Data Collection; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019349:Roseolovirus Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral