(A.K.A. "HBLV"). Isolated in 1986 in lymphocytes of patients with lymphoreticular disorders - tropism for CD4+ lymphocytes. Complete genome sequence ~160kbp. HHV-6 is now recognised as being a universal human infection. Discovery of the virus solved a longstanding mystery - primary infection in childhood causes "roseola infantum" a.k.a. "sixth disease", a common childhood rash whose cause was previously unknown. Ab titres are highest in children and decline with age. Consequences of childhood infection appear to be mild. Primary infections of adults are rare but have more severe consequences - mononucleosis/hepatitis. HHV-6 infection is a problem in immunocompromised patients, although the importance of HHV-6 infection in AIDS patients is not clear.
Santoro F, et al.(1999) CD46 is a cellular receptor for human herpesvirus 6. Cell 99: 817-827
HHV-6 shows a pattern of susceptibility to antiviral drugs similar to that of cytomegalovirus (HCMV), since its replication is inhibited by ganciclovir, phosphonoformate (foscarnet, PFA), and phosphonoacetic acid (PAA), but is relatively resistant to acyclovir.
Virus
Within: The Coming Epidemic
by Nicholas Regush
Controversial views on HHV-6 and the nature of science funding!
Human Herpesvirus 6: An Emerging Pathogen From: Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Human Herpesvirus 6 by Stephen Dewhurst, David Skrincosky and Nanette van Loon, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine.
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