HHV-6 reactivation as a cause of fever in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

J Infect. 2017 Aug;75(2):155-159. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2017.05.011. Epub 2017 May 24.

Abstract

Objectives: We report the biological and clinical impacts possibly associated with HHV-6 reactivation in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) recipients after intensive chemotherapy regimen for lymphoma.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical, biological, radiological, treatment and outcomes of patients with positive HHV-6 DNA in whole blood following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Results: Blood HHV-6 reactivation was reported in 27 (8.5%) patients among 316 AHSCT recipients after high dose therapy for lymphoma. Thirteen (4.1%) patients were symptomatic with fever (100%), diarrhea (61.5%), skin rash (46.1%), and pneumonia (23.1%). Antiviral treatment was administered in 9 (69%) patients and outcome was favorable in all cases.

Conclusion: Our study suggests a possible pathogenic role of HHV-6 in AHSCT recipients and suggests an impact of antiviral treatments on viral replication and clinical signs resolution.

Keywords: Antiviral treatment; Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Fever; HHV-6 reactivation; Lymphoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Fever / etiology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Lymphoma / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Roseolovirus Infections* / complications
  • Roseolovirus Infections* / virology
  • Transplant Recipients / statistics & numerical data*
  • Virus Activation