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Chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6: questions and answers REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY Pellett, P. E., Ablashi, D. V., Ambros, P. F., Agut, H., Caserta, M. T., Descamps, V., Flamand, L., Gautheret-Dejean, A., Hall, C. B., Kamble, R. T., Kuehl, U., Lassner, D., Lautenschlager, I., Loomis, K. S., Luppi, M., Lusso, P., Medveczky, P. G., Montoya, J. G., Mori, Y., Ogata, M., Pritchett, J. C., Rogez, S., Seto, E., Ward, K. N., Yoshikawa, T., Razonable, R. R. 2012; 22 (3): 144-155

Abstract

Chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 (ciHHV-6) is a condition in which the complete HHV-6 genome is integrated into the host germ line genome and is vertically transmitted in a Mendelian manner. The condition is found in less than 1% of controls in the USA and UK, but has been found at a somewhat higher prevalence in transplant recipients and other patient populations in several small studies. HHV-6 levels in whole blood that exceed 5.5 log10 copies/ml are strongly suggestive of ciHHV-6. Monitoring DNA load in plasma and serum is unreliable, both for identifying and for monitoring subjects with ciHHV-6 due to cell lysis and release of cellular DNA. High HHV-6 DNA loads associated with ciHHV-6 can lead to erroneous diagnosis of active infection. Transplant recipients with ciHHV-6 may be at increased risk for bacterial infection and graft rejection. ciHHV-6 can be induced to a state of active viral replication in vitro. It is not known whether ciHHV-6 individuals are put at clinical risk by the use of drugs that have been associated with HHV-6 reactivation in vivo or in vitro. Nonetheless, we urge careful observation when use of such drugs is indicated in individuals known to have ciHHV-6. Little is known about whether individuals with ciHHV-6 develop immune tolerance for viral proteins. Further research is needed to determine the role of ciHHV-6 in disease.

View details for DOI 10.1002/rmv.715

View details for Web of Science ID 000303119600002

View details for PubMedID 22052666

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3498727