Human Herpes Virus 6 and Encephalitis in Children

  • Elda Skenderi Pediatrician
  • Gjeorgjina Kuli-Lito Pediatric Hospital, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania
  • Admir Sulovari Pediatric Hospital, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania
  • Nilsa Shahini Pediatric Hospital, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania
  • Griselda Toci Pediatric Hospital, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania
  • Ada Pema Pediatric Hospital, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania
Keywords: Human herpesvirus 6, fever, seizure, encephalitis, immunocompetent

Abstract

Abstract

Human herpesvirus 6 was the sixth herpesvirus discovered, it is a beta-herpesvirus and is ubiquitous in nature. Primary infection with HHV-6 occurs within the first 2 years of life and is usually associated with an undifferentiated febrile illness, although a subset of children exhibit the classic manifestations of roseola infantum. After primary infection, the virus replicates in salivary glands and is shed in saliva, the recognized route of transmission. It remains latent in lymphocytes and monocytes and persists at low levels in cells and tissues. HHV-6 is probably the most neurotropic virus known, it has been implicated as a cause of encephalitis in transplant recipients but occasionally is reported as a cause of meningitis and encephalitis in immunocompetent individuals. We present the case of a 21-month old infant diagnosed with HHV-6 encephalitis.

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Published
2021-03-02
How to Cite
Elda Skenderi, Gjeorgjina Kuli-Lito, Admir Sulovari, Nilsa Shahini, Griselda Toci, & Ada Pema. (2021). Human Herpes Virus 6 and Encephalitis in Children. IJRDO -JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND NURSING, 6(2), 44-48. https://doi.org/10.53555/hsn.v6i2.4065