A Rare Case of Human Herpesvirus 6 Meningitis in an Immunocompetent Asian Male Presented With a Severe Intractable Headache

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) manifesting as a central nervous system (CNS) infection (especially meningoencephalitis) is reported as a primary infection in children and from reactivation in immunocompromised patients; however, it has rarely been reported in immunocompetent adults. Latent infections of the CNS can cause a myriad of clinical presentations ranging from a benign, febrile, self resolving illness to limbic encephalitis, temporal lobe seizures, and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as behavioral disturbances and psychosis. No standard diagnostic criteria or management guidelines exist for this condition. Possible neuroimaging findings include abnormalities in the medial temporal lobe involving the hippocampus and amygdala. We hereby present a case of HHV-6 meningitis in a 48-year-old immunocompetent male presenting without encephalopathic symptoms and normal neuroimaging findings.

Automated summary

HHV-6, primarily found in children and immunocompromised patients, can also cause central nervous system infections in immunocompetent adults. The infections can lead to a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, with no standard diagnostic criteria or management guidelines available.