Katherine N Ward1. 1. Centre for Virology, Department of Infection, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Windeyer Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK. k.n.ward@ucl.ac.uk
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the biology and clinical consequences of infection with the closely related human herpesviruses-6 and -7 (HHV-6/7) in children. RECENT FINDINGS: Over the last year there has been a paucity of paediatric publications on HHV-6 and only two studies focused on HHV-7. Steady progress has been made regarding the biology and clinical consequences of HHV-6 infection whereas the effect of HHV-7 infection remains a neglected topic. However, both viruses have been shown to contribute significantly and equally to the burden of disease in young children with suspected encephalitis or severe convulsions with fever. There continues to be uncertainty as to the effects of HHV-6 infection after stem cell transplant, although there is general agreement that it contributes to encephalitis. In contrast, HHV-7 seems to have little clinical impact after stem cell transplant, although central nervous system infection and disease have recently been reported in children. Understanding the contribution of chromosomal integration and inheritance of both HHV-6 variants A and B (HHV-6A/B) and their effect on diagnosis is emerging. SUMMARY: There is an urgent need for more research on HHV-6 and -7 in children, particularly in relation to chromosomal integration of HHV-6A and B, and clinical consequences of HHV-7 infection.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the biology and clinical consequences of infection with the closely related human herpesviruses-6 and -7 (HHV-6/7) in children. RECENT FINDINGS: Over the last year there has been a paucity of paediatric publications on HHV-6 and only two studies focused on HHV-7. Steady progress has been made regarding the biology and clinical consequences of HHV-6 infection whereas the effect of HHV-7 infection remains a neglected topic. However, both viruses have been shown to contribute significantly and equally to the burden of disease in young children with suspected encephalitis or severe convulsions with fever. There continues to be uncertainty as to the effects of HHV-6 infection after stem cell transplant, although there is general agreement that it contributes to encephalitis. In contrast, HHV-7 seems to have little clinical impact after stem cell transplant, although central nervous system infection and disease have recently been reported in children. Understanding the contribution of chromosomal integration and inheritance of both HHV-6 variants A and B (HHV-6A/B) and their effect on diagnosis is emerging. SUMMARY: There is an urgent need for more research on HHV-6 and -7 in children, particularly in relation to chromosomal integration of HHV-6A and B, and clinical consequences of HHV-7 infection.
Authors: A Saleh Younes; Márta Csire; Beatrix Kapusinszky; Katalin Szomor; Mária Takács; György Berencsi Journal: Pathol Oncol Res Date: 2009-09 Impact factor: 3.201
Authors: Nicole L Glosson; Patrick Gonyo; Nathan A May; Christine L Schneider; Laura C Ristow; Qiuhong Wang; Amy W Hudson Journal: J Biol Chem Date: 2010-09-10 Impact factor: 5.157
Authors: Katherine N Ward; Hoe Nam Leong; Elisabeth P Nacheva; Julie Howard; Claire E Atkinson; Nicholas W S Davies; Paul D Griffiths; Duncan A Clark Journal: J Clin Microbiol Date: 2006-04 Impact factor: 5.948