Prevalence of human herpesvirus-6 chromosomal integration (CIHHV-6) in Italian solid organ and allogeneic stem cell transplant patients

Am J Transplant. 2009 Jul;9(7):1690-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2009.02685.x. Epub 2009 Jun 10.

Abstract

The unique phenomenon of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) chromosomal integration (CIHHV-6) may account for clinical drawbacks in transplant setting, being misinterpreted as active infection and leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments. We have investigated the prevalence of CIHHV-6 in 205 consecutive solid organ (SO) and allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) Italian patients. Fifty-two (38.5%) of 135 solid organ transplant (SOT) and 16 (22.8%) of 70 alloSCT patients resulted positive for plasma HHV-6 DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Seven SOT and three alloSCT patients presented HHV-6-related diseases, requiring antivirals. Two further patients (0.9%) were identified, presenting high HHV-6 loads. The quantification of HHV-6 on hair follicles disclosed the integrated state, allowing the discontinuation of antivirals. Before starting specific treatments, CIHHV-6 should be excluded in transplant patients with HHV-6 viremia by the comparison of HHV-6 loads on different fluids and tissues. Pretransplantation screening of donors and recipients may further prevent the misdiagnosis of CIHHV-6.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • DNA, Viral / blood
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / genetics*
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / isolation & purification
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / pathogenicity*
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / physiology
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Roseolovirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Roseolovirus Infections / etiology
  • Roseolovirus Infections / virology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Transplants* / adverse effects
  • Viremia / diagnosis
  • Viremia / etiology
  • Viremia / virology
  • Virus Integration / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral