[Drug hypersensitivity syndrome associated with a primary HHV6 infection].
BACKGROUND
Drug hypersensitivity syndrome is a severe life-threatening drug reaction. An association between this syndrome and HHV6 reactivation has been hypothesized.


METHODS
A 45 year-old women was treated with sulfasalazine for polyarthralgia. One month after beginning the treatment, she developed a drug hypersensitivity syndrome with severe acute hepatic failure. HHV6 serology and serum PCR revealed a primary HHV6 infection.


CONCLUSIONS
We report the second case of drug hypersensitivity syndrome associated with a primary HHV6 infection. An immunological disorder may explain such an association by increasing viral replication. Detection and titration of anti-HHV6 antibodies in each case of drug hypersensitivity syndrome should help to confirm this association and possibly modify treatment strategy.
Debarbieux
S
S
Service de Dermatologie, Pavillon R, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon.
Deroo-Berger
M-C
MC
Grande
S
S
Najioullah
F
F
Kanitakis
J
J
Faure
M
M
Claudy
A
A
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019349:Roseolovirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013577:Syndrome; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D012460:Sulfasalazine