Dilemmas in HHV-6-associated neurological diseases

• DOI: 10.15557/pimr.2024.0070
• Publication Date: 2025-05-26T09:18:03Z
• Authors: Natalia Gołuchowska; Agnieszka Mejer-Z...; Milena Pogonowska; Anna Piwowarczyk; Ernest Kuchar; Bolesław Kalicki

Infections with human herpesvirus type 6 commonly affect children up to 3 years of age. The infection is usually mild, however, severe cases involving the central nervous system can occur. We conducted a retrospective analysis of three cases who tested positive for human herpesvirus type 6 in cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction. Symptoms, laboratory findings, and proposed management in cases of uncertain aetiology of the neuroinfection are discussed. Attention is also drawn to the controversies related to the interpretation of molecular findings due to the latency of human herpesvirus type 6 infection and the lack of treatment recommendations for encephalitis of the aforementioned aetiology. Management of severe cases is suggested, along with potential treatment options.