Herpesvirus
About Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV6)
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) most commonly causes roseola in young children, and about 90% of children are infected by age 2. There are two related viruses: HHV-6B, which causes most infections, and the rarer HHV-6A.
Like other herpesviruses, HHV-6 stays in the body for life and can reactivate later — in the brain, lungs, heart, kidneys or gut — particularly in transplant patients. HHV-6A and 6B can only be told apart with a PCR DNA test.
Symptoms
- Fever in infants and young children
- Roseola rash (exanthem subitum)
- Diarrhoea
- Febrile seizures (rare)
- Encephalitis (rare)
Test Options
- CMV/EBV/HHV6 Panel — detects and differentiates these three herpesviruses