Inherited Chromosomally Integrated Human Herpesvirus 6: An Unexpected Finding in a Septic Neonate. Issue 1 (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pugni, Lorenza; Pietrasanta, Carlo; Ronchi, Andrea; Lunghi, Giovanna; Pellegrinelli, Laura; Mosca, Fabio; Campanini, Giulia; Baldanti, Fausto
• Is Part Of: Pediatric infectious disease journal. Volume 40:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: human herpesvirus 6 -- HHV-6 -- inherited herpesvirus -- chromosomal integration -- neonatal sepsis; Communicable diseases in children -- Periodicals; Infection in children -- Periodicals; 618.929
• DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000002905
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-3668

Abstract

Abstract : Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) can integrate its genome in human chromosomes and be germline transmitted (inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6). We report a case of chromosomally integrated HHV-6 inherited from the mother unexpectedly diagnosed in a septic neonate. Since HHV-6 has recently been included in multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays for meningitis/encephalitis, diagnosing inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6 status is essential to avoid misdiagnosis of active HHV-6 infection and unnecessary antiviral treatment.