Human Herpesvirus-6 Encephalitis Associated With Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy in an Immunocompetent Child: A Case Report and Literature Review

Human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) is a DNA virus considered a member of the Herpesviridae family. HHV-6 is acquired early in life, when it may cause roseola infantum and nonspecific febrile illnesses which is usually a self-limiting disease before the age of two. Primary HHV-6 encephalitis and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) are rare diseases to occur in immunocompetent children. We describe an unusual case of HHV-6 encephalitis with mixed features of acute necrotizing encephalopathy and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and contextualize it with a review of the literature on HHV-6 encephalitis in immunocompetent children. Although the incidence of primary HHV-6 encephalitis is rare in immunocompetent children, HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute necrotizing encephalopathy is a devastating disease, highly fatal and neurologically damaging disease. Therefore, early testing and diagnosis are crucial as well as effective management of encephalitis with antiviral therapy is highly recommended.

Automated summary

Human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) is a rare but devastating disease that can cause encephalitis with acute necrotizing encephalopathy in immunocompetent children. Early testing, diagnosis, and antiviral therapy are crucial for effective management of HHV-6 encephalitis.