• J Fontan, C Mougin, and J Y Cahn.
• Service d'Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Besançon.
• Presse Med. 1999 Jan 23; 28 (3): 149-56.

AbstractGENERAL DATA: Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infects 90% of the human population before the age of 4 years, recognized as a childhood disease (sixth disease) or with no clinical manifestation. HHV-6 DNA has partial homogly with cytomegalovirus DNA. Two variants, A and B, are known. The main target cells are CD4+ T cells and macrophages via a partially elucidated mechanism. Primary infection is followed by a latency period and episodes of reactivation. Truly protective targets of the immune response are unknown. POORLY UNDERSTOOD NATURAL HISTORY: In organ transplant or hematopoietic stem cell recipients, the natural history of HHV-6 infection is difficult to establish because of small sample size in certain series, the lack of controls both for patients and samples and differences in the sensitivity of diagnostic tests. Serology is non-specific and cannot be used to study reinfection. Different studies have relied on culture and isolation, detection of viral antigens with monoclonal antibodies and PCR using mononucleated cells, serum and plasma.

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