Human herpesvirus 6

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a set of two closely related herpesviruses known as HHV-6A and HHV-6B. They are double-stranded DNA viruses in the Herpesviridae family, Betaherpesvirinae subfamily. HHV-6 was first discovered in 1986 and is known to infect most humans at some point during their lives. The virus can remain latent in the body for long periods and can then reactivate. It is a lymphotropic virus that affects both T cells and monocytes.

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Hhv-6

Infection and Symptoms

HHV-6 is spread primarily through saliva and can cause a variety of illnesses and conditions. The most common condition caused by HHV-6 is roseola, also known as sixth disease. This condition is most common in infants and young children and is characterized by a high fever followed by a rash. Other conditions associated with HHV-6 include mononucleosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and possibly some types of cancer.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of HHV-6 is typically done through serological testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, or culture of the virus. Treatment typically involves antiviral medications, though some strains of the virus have shown resistance to these drugs.

Research

Research into HHV-6 is ongoing, with scientists studying the virus's impact on the immune system, its role in various diseases, and potential treatments and vaccines.

See Also

• Herpesviridae
• Roseola
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Mononucleosis