The Spectrum of Neurological Manifestations of Human Herpesvirus 6 Infection in Children

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a member of the Herpesviridae family. There are two HHV-6 species: HHV6A and HHV-6B. HHV-6B causes the majority of documented primary infections and reactivation events. In this case series, we illustrate the varied spectrum of clinical and radiological features of HHV-6 encephalitis and its management in children. We have described three cases of HHV-6 encephalitis in the age group between nine months and two years. All had an HHV-6 viral load detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Two of which are of immunocompetent patients. This case series highlights the importance of including HHV-6 infection as one of the differential diagnoses in a child with suspected central nervous system infection and of considering adding CSF HHV-6 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for detection. Increasing awareness of this condition will aid physicians in the timely diagnosis and early treatment of HHV-6 encephalitis.

Automated summary

This case series highlights the varied spectrum of clinical and radiological features of HHV-6 encephalitis in children, emphasizing the importance of considering HHV-6 infection in differential diagnoses and performing CSF HHV-6 PCR test for detection. Increasing awareness of this condition will aid physicians in the timely diagnosis and early treatment of HHV-6 encephalitis.