Seroepidemiology of human herpesvirus 6 infection in normal children and adults

J Clin Microbiol. 1989 Apr;27(4):651-3. doi: 10.1128/jcm.27.4.651-653.1989.

Abstract

Sera from normal subjects were examined for reactivity to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) by the anticomplement immunofluorescence test. Of a total of 179 serum specimens from donors aged from under 10 to 59 years, 141 specimens showed positive reactivity against HHV-6. The positive rate was 70 to 83% for all age groups, and there were no substantial differences in the positive rates. Sera from younger children aged from 0 to 21 months were then examined in detail. The antibody-positive rate of children aged from 0 to 5 months decreased from 52 to 5%, but it gradually increased by 12 months. Almost all children had the antibody against this virus after 13 months of age.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross Reactions
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Herpesviridae / classification
  • Herpesviridae / immunology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Middle Aged
  • United States

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral