Human herpesvirus 6 can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid without associated symptoms after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is an opportunistic pathogen after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) that is associated with central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and significance of HHV-6 DNA detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after HCT.

Study design

We identified patients with HHV-6 DNA in CSF using quantitative PCR. Patients with neurologic symptoms and HHV-6 DNA in CSF without identification of an alternative etiology were categorized as having HHV-6 CNS dysfunction.

Results

Among 3902 allogeneic HCT recipients from 1998 to 2012, 51 of 124 tested patients had HHV-6 DNA in CSF; 37 met criteria for HHV-6 CNS dysfunction and 14 (27%) did not. Patients with an alternative diag

SUBMITTER: Hill JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4165730 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature