Mononucleosis-like illness in an infant associated with human herpesvirus 6 infection

Acta Paediatr Jpn. 1995 Apr;37(2):227-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-200x.1995.tb03304.x.

Abstract

Illnesses resembling mononucleosis, hematologically characterized by atypical lymphocytosis in the peripheral blood, are caused by other viral infections as well as by a primary Epstein-Barr virus infection. Human herpesvirus 6, a newly isolated member of the herpesvirus group, can also cause a mononucleosis-like illness. Illness associated with human herpesvirus 6 infection mostly occurs in immunocompetent adults. We observed a 3 month old infant who presented with marked atypical lymphocytosis and liver dysfunction. We examined serum samples to detect viral antibodies related to mononucleosis-like illness. Only the titers of antibody against human herpesvirus 6 were elevated. Primary human herpesvirus 6 infection cannot only cause exanthem subitum or present in an inapparent form but can also cause an illness like mononucleosis, even in an infant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Herpesviridae Infections / complications*
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / complications*
  • Male