What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• HHV-6 Infection in Adults
• Human Herpes Virus Type 6 Infection in Adults
• Human Herpesvirus 6 Infection in Adults

What is Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults? (Definition/Background Information)

• Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults is an uncommon viral infection that usually arises due to the reactivation of the human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6) in the body, often resulting from a decreased immune system in the adult
• All individuals, at some point in their life are infected by the virus, especially during childhood. In some children, the virus results in roseola that presents sudden high fever followed by widespread red skin rashes on the body
• Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults causes glandular fever syndrome, where there is swollen lymph nodes, chronic fatigue, and inflamed liver (hepatitis). The condition can lead to complications such as encephalitis and bone marrow failure
• Since, the condition is observed infrequently, a healthcare provider may often undertake extensive laboratory tests to diagnose HHV-6 Infection in Adults
• The condition is treated symptomatically using antiviral medication, adequate fluid intake, and rest. The prognosis of Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults is dependent on a set of factors, chiefly on the underlying illness causing the condition

Who gets Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults may affect adults of any age category
• In children, the human herpes virus (types 6 and 7) commonly cause an infection known as roseola, with high temperatures and characteristic red skin rashes
• Both male and female genders are affected
• No particular racial, ethnic, or geographical preference is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults? (Predisposing Factors)

The following conditions may cause a reactivation of the HHV-6 virus leading to Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults:

• Conditions or factors causing reduced immunity in the body, such as cancer therapy, recent organ transplantation, poorly-controlled chronic diabetes, HIV infection or AIDS, etc.
• Severe stress
• Acute allergic reactions
• Any underlying illness

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults? (Etiology)

• Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults is caused by a reactivation of the human herpes virus 6, due to underlying illness or immunocompromised state of the body
• The virus remains dormant in the body for years after an earlier infection, which may have occurred during childhood. In individuals with weakened immune system, the virus may get reactivated in the body resulting in the symptoms of the infection
• Human herpes virus 6 consists of two subtypes - HHV-6A and HHV-6B; HHV-6A, usually causes infection in adults who are immunocompromised

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults?

The signs and symptoms of Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults may include:

• Glandular fever syndrome where there is enlarged lymph nodes, longstanding fatigue, and liver inflammation (or hepatitis)
• Symptoms associated with hepatitis may be noted
• If the brain is affected, then neurological signs and symptoms are observed

How is Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults Diagnosed?

Often, extensive tests and exams to diagnose Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults may be performed, since it is an uncommon condition. The diagnostic tests may include:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Assessment of the signs and symptoms
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood test to detect for the presence of the human herpes virus
• Tests for detecting IgM and IgG antibodies against the virus
• Viral cultures of body fluids
• Molecular tests, such as PCR, on body fluids

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults?

The complications of Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults are particularly noted in those who are immunodeficient and they may be severe. The complications may include:

• Inflammation of the retina, or retinitis
• Inflammation of the brain resulting in encephalitis
• Inflammation of lung tissue, or pleurisy
• Bone marrow failure

How is Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults Treated?

The treatment measures for Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults are provided to address the symptoms and may involve:

• Symptomatic treatment of the disease, such as the use of medication for fever and body aches
• Fluid replacement
• Use of antiviral medication such as ganciclovir and foscarnet
• Adequately treating the underlying illness or cause of immune dysfunction

How can Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults be Prevented?

Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults may not be prevented. However, one may consider the following steps to lower one’s risk for the condition:

• Addressing any underlying health issue promptly and appropriately
• Stress management

What is the Prognosis of Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults may be assessed only on a case-by-case basis
• However, it is dependent upon the severity of the underlying condition and the overall health status of the affected individual

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Human Herpes Virus 6 Infection in Adults:

Roseola is a common viral infection affecting infants and very young children. The condition is manifested as high fever for a few days followed by the appearance of widespread red skin rashes on the body.