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Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe drug reaction characterized by skin rash, organ involvement, lymph node swelling, eosinophilia, and atypical lymphocytosis, with myocarditis being a rare but potentially fatal complication. It has been reported that in patients with cardiac involvement due to DRESS, older age and shorter periods between offending drug exposure and symptom onset are associated with mortality. We report a case of fatal DRESS-associated myocarditis in a young woman, occurring one month after drug exposure, despite intensive immunosuppressive therapy. This case report highlights the risk of mortality from DRESS-associated myocarditis even in patients lacking known risk factors.

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Background: Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is considered a ubiquitous virus, with many countries reporting a seroprevalence of more than 80-90% among the general population. However, this virus is unique among herpesviruses in its ability to integrate into the genetic material of the host's cells. Thus, there are three ways by which HHV-6 can cause an active infection-primary infection, reactivation of a latent acquired infection, or activation of iciHHV-6 (inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6). Whole blood quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is very useful in distinguishing between iciHHV-6 and primary infection/reactivation. Our aim is to assess the role of HHV-6 in the aetiology of central nervous system (CNS) infections in adults and children, to describe all HHV-6-positive cases in an attempt to determine the susceptible population and to identify potential risk factors that can be linked to HHV-6 meningoencephalitis. Methods: We performed a retrospective study involving patients that were admitted to Prof. Dr. Matei Bals National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania, with a diagnosis of meningitis or encephalitis. We only selected the clinical records of patients that had a multiplex PCR Biofire® FilmArray® meningitis/encephalitis panel. Results: We report a 5% HHV-6 positivity in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with CNS infections tested with a commercial multiplex PCR M/E (meningitis/encephalitis) panel. Additionally, 2% to 4% of the total study population (n = 100) had active HHV-6 infections, which denotes 40 to 80% of the HHV-6-positive samples. We did not observe any statistically significant correlation between HHV-6 positivity in the CSF and variables such as age, sex, or comorbidities, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, immunosuppression, or oncologic disease. Therefore, no risk factors could be linked with HHV-6 positivity in the CSF. Conclusions: although multiplex qualitative PCR is highly useful for providing rapid results and identifying nearly every pathogen that can cause meningitis/encephalitis, we have to be aware of this type of test's limitations. All patients with HHV-6 detectable in their CSF via a multiplex PCR test should also undergo qPCR testing from both CSF and blood to prevent over-diagnosing HHV-6 CNS infections, to avoid unnecessary antiviral treatments, and ensure the accurate identification of the true diagnosis.

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The vulnerability of immunocompromised patients to common or opportunistic viral infections is particularly high. The quantitation of viral load in clinical specimens is important for the diagnosis and management of the infection and reactivation in this patient population, particularly transplant recipients. As the new regulation "IVDR" regarding in vitro diagnosis methods is about to come into effect in France, diagnostic laboratories have to implement methods and systems compatible with this new regulation. Technical performance of the AltoStar® Adenovirus (AdV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) DNA PCR Kits 1.5 was assessed on the AltoStar Automation system AM16 using reference kits in 146 clinical samples. Overall agreement in clinical specimens was 87.5 % (28/32), 96.8 % (62/64), 100 % (22/22), 100 % (28/28) and 92.8 % (26/28) for AdV, CMV (WB samples and other matrices), HHV-6 A&B respectively. Quantitative results were highly correlated and estimated to be equivalent within a 0.057-0.648 log-amount difference.We found that altona kits on The AltoStar AM16 system are suitable for clinical monitoring of AdV, CMV and HHV-6 in immunocompromised hosts.

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Background: Mono and combined reactivation of latent viruses occurs frequently under immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplant patients. Recently, monitoring torque teno virus (TTV) reactivation came more into focus as a potential biomarker for immune status. The surrogate characteristics of TTV reactivation on acute rejection, and the combined reactivation with other latent viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), human BK virus (BKV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human herpes virus-6A (HHV-6A) on allograft function, are unknown so far. Methods: Blood samples from 93 kidney transplant recipients obtained during the first post-transplant year were analyzed for TTV/BKV/CMV/EBV/HHV-6A load. Clinical characteristics, including graft function [glomerular filtration rate (GFR)], were collected in parallel. Results: TTV had the highest prevalence and viral loads at 100% and a mean of 5.72 copies/ml (cp/ml) (log10). We found 28.0%, 26.9%, 7.5%, and 51.6% of simultaneous reactivation of TTV with BKV, CMV, EBV, and HHV-6, respectively. These combined reactivations were not associated with a significantly reduced estimated GFR at month 12. Of interest, patients with lower TTV loads <5.0 cp/ml (log10) demonstrated not only a higher incidence of acute rejection, but also an unexpected significantly earlier occurrence and higher incidence of BKV and HHV-6A reactivation. Correlations between TTV loads, other latent viruses, and immunosuppressive medication were only significant from 6 months after transplant. Conclusion: We were able to observe and support previously introduced TTV load thresholds predicting kidney allograft rejection. However, due to a possible delayed relation between immunosuppressive medication and TTV viral load adaptation, the right time points to start using TTV as a biomarker might need to be further clarified by other and better designed studies.

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Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is one of the most prevalent childhood viruses. HHV-6 reactivation in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients and solid organ transplant recipients is well described in medical literature. We present a case of HHV-6 reactivation causing encephalitis, which is rare in immunocompetent adults.

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Leukocytosis in neonates can occur because of infectious, inflammatory, malignant, or physiological processes. Hyperleukocytosis is defined as a total leukocyte count (TLC) exceeding 100,000 per mm3, warranting immediate evaluation. Neonates with hyperleukocytosis are at risk of leukostasis and the associated severe complications, including respiratory distress, myocardial ischemia, hyperuricemia, acute renal failure, infarction, and hemorrhage. Differentiating leukemia and leukemoid reactions in neonates presenting with elevated TLC is challenging but critical. We present a unique case of a preterm male neonate with hyperleukocytosis, initially suspected to have an underlying malignancy. The neonate's clinical course was complicated by respiratory distress syndrome and anemia of prematurity, necessitating neonatal intensive care unit management. Further investigation revealed high human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) DNA levels in the whole blood, leading to a chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6) diagnosis. CiHHV-6 is characterized by HHV-6 DNA integration into the host genome. Accurate diagnosis relies on whole-blood quantitative PCR, distinguishing ciHHV-6 from an active infection. The neonate remained asymptomatic, and antiviral treatment was deemed unnecessary. This case underscores the importance of recognizing ciHHV-6 as a potential cause of hyperleukocytosis in neonates and highlights the value of whole-blood PCR for differentiation. Understanding the spectrum of HHV-6 infection in neonates is vital for appropriate management and prognostication.

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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a real and current scientific and societal challenge. Alzheimer's disease is characterised by a neurodegenerative neuroinflammatory process, but the etiopathogenetic mechanisms are still unclear. The possible infectious aetiology and potential involvement of Herpes viruses as triggers for the formation of extracellular deposits of amyloid beta (Aß) peptide (amyloid plaques) and intraneuronal aggregates of hyperphosphorylated and misfold could be a possible explanation. In fact, the possible genetic interference of Herpes viruses with the genome of the host neuronal cell or the stimulation of the infection to a continuous immune response with a consequent chronic inflammation could constitute those mechanisms underlying the development of AD, with possible implications in the understanding and management of the disease. Herpes viruses could be significantly involved in the pathogenesis of AD and in particular, their ability to reactivate in particular conditions such as immunocompromise and immunosenescence, could explain the neurological damage characteristic of AD. Our review aims to evaluate the state of the art of knowledge and perspectives regarding the potential relationship between Herpes viruses and AD, in order to be able to identify the possible etiopathogenetic mechanisms and the possible therapeutic implications.

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Sixth Disease (roseola infantum) and its primary causative agent, HHV-6, share names that numerically concur. This article examines and answers the question of whether that correspondence is by design or coincidental by briefly reviewing the history and nomenclature of the HHV viruses and the classic febrile rashes of childhood while highlighting some clinical and microbiologic features of HHV-6 infection.

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AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy sensor regulating metabolic homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the role of AMPK in response to human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) infection. We show that HHV-6A infection significantly downregulates the active phosphorylated state of AMPK in infected T cells. Pharmacological activation of AMPK highly attenuated HHV-6A propagation. Mechanistically, we found that the activation of AMPK by AICAR blocked HHV-6-induced glycolysis by inhibiting glucose metabolism and lactate secretion, as well as decreasing expressions of key glucose transporters and glycolytic enzymes. In addition, mTOR signaling has been inactivated in HHV-6A infected T cells by AICAR treatment. We also showed that HHV-6A infection of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) reduced AMPK activity whereas the activation of AMPK by metformin drastically reduced HHV-6A DNA replication and virions production. Taken together, this study demonstrates that AMPK is a promising antiviral therapeutic target against HHV-6A infection.

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Recent studies have focused on the role of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) in PR etiology with varying results. In our study, with the approach that the discrepancy between the results may be related to the different samples and techniques used, we aimed to clarify the etiology by examining tissue and plasma samples using molecular methods and evaluating the results together with serological parameters. Skin biopsies and plasma samples of twenty-five PR patients were tested to detect HHV-6 and HHV-7 DNA using calibrated quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (CQ RT-PCR). IgG and IgM antibodies against HHV-6 and HHV-7 were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and indirect immunofluorescence. Of the patient group, 64% were positive for HHV-6 IgG without IgM positivity. HHV-6 DNA was present in seven tissue and ten plasma samples. HHV-7 positivity was 100% and 12% for IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. HHV-7 DNA was detected in four tissue samples and one plasma sample. Patients with HHV-7 DNA-positive plasma and tissue samples had also HHV-7 IgM antibodies. In conclusion, our results seem to support the role of HHV-6/HHV-7 in the etiology of PR. To clarify the etiology of PR and avoid confusion, the collection of different biological materials simultaneously and the usage of CQ RT-PCR as a diagnostic technique are recommended.

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HHV-6B reactivation affects approximately half of all allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. HHV-6B is the most frequent infectious cause of encephalitis following HCT and is associated with pleiotropic manifestations in this setting, including graft-versus-host disease, myelosuppression, pneumonitis, and CMV reactivation, although the causal link is not always clear. When the virus inserts its genome in chromosomes of germ cells, the chromosomally integrated form (ciHHV6) is inherited by offspring. The condition of ciHHV6 is characterized by the persistent detection of HHV-6 DNA, often confounding diagnosis of reactivation and disease-this has also been associated with adverse outcomes. Recent changes in clinical practice in the field of cellular therapies, including a wider use of post-HCT cyclophosphamide, the advent of letermovir for CMV prophylaxis, and the rapid expansion of novel cellular therapies require contemporary epidemiological studies to determine the pathogenic role and spectrum of disease of HHV-6B in the current era. Research into the epidemiology and clinical significance of HHV-6B in chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy recipients is in its infancy. No controlled trials have determined the optimal treatment for HHV-6B. Treatment is reserved for end-organ disease, and the choice of antiviral agent is influenced by expected toxicities. Virus-specific T cells may provide a novel, less toxic therapeutic modality but is more logistically challenging. Preventive strategies are hindered by the high toxicity of current antivirals. Ongoing study is needed to keep up with the evolving epidemiology and impact of HHV-6 in diverse and expanding immunocompromised patient populations.

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PURPOSE: This article presents the first clinical results of intravital morphological verification of epithelial and stromal keratitis associated with betaherpesviruses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 12 patients (12 eyes) diagnosed with herpetic keratitis. During the initial visit to the clinic, each patient underwent a standard ophthalmological examination, as well as a number of laboratory tests: immunochemical analysis of blood, molecular diagnostics, and confocal microscopy. Histological study of the cornea was additionally performed in cases indicated for surgical treatment (2 patients). RESULTS: According to enzyme-linked immunoelectrodiffusion essay (ELISA), acute-phase immunoglobulins of class M (Ig M) to cytomegalovirus (CMV) were detected in only one clinical case. Class G immunoglobulins (Ig G) to both CMV and human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6) were detected in the majority of cases. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed CMV DNA in tears (2 patients) and in saliva (4 patients). The HHV-6 genome was found in tears (2 patients) and in saliva (3 patients). According to the results of confocal microscopy, owl's eye cells were found in 8 patients of the group. Histological examination of the cornea helped identify pathognomonic cells in one case. Thus, 8 patients of the group were diagnosed with keratitis associated with the betaherpesvirus subfamily. CONCLUSION: Results of observation of the study patients suggest the possibility of developing keratitis associated with the subfamily of betaherpesviruses with localization in the superficial layers of the cornea. Confocal microscopy can be useful for identification of pathognomonic owl's eye cells in the corneal tissues and confirmation of the diagnosis of betaherpesvirus-associated keratitis. Investigation of the etiological factor of superficial and stromal viral keratitis is important for determining the further tactics of pharmacotherapy.

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Background: The development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has revolutionized treatment outcomes in patients with lymphoid malignancies. However, several studies have reported a relatively high rate of infection in adult patients following CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy, particularly in the first 28 days. Notably, acute human herpesvirus 6 B (HHV6B) reactivation occurs in up to two-thirds of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients. Case presentations: Herein, we describe a report of HHV6B encephalitis/myelitis in three patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma post CAR T-cell therapy. All three patients received multiple lines of prior treatment (range: 2-9 lines). All patients presented with fever that persisted for at least 2 weeks after CAR-T cell infusion (CTI). Both the onset time and duration were similar to those of the cytokine release syndrome (CRS); nevertheless, the CRS grades of the patients were low (grade 1 or 2). Delirium and memory loss after CTI were the earliest notable mental presentations. Neurological manifestations progressed rapidly, with patients experiencing varying degrees of impaired consciousness, seizures, and coma. Back pain, lumbago, lower limb weakness and uroschesis were also observed in Patient 3, indicating myelitis. High HHV6B loads were detected in all Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Only one patient required high-activity antivirals and IgG intravenous pulse treatment finally recovered, whereas the other two patients died from HHV6B encephalitis. Conclusion: Considering its fatal potential, HHV6B encephalitis/myelitis should be urgently diagnosed post CAR-T cell-based therapy. Furthermore, hematologists should differentially diagnose these conditions from CRS or other immunotherapy-related neurotoxicities as early as possible. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of mNGS in the early diagnosis of HHV6B infection, particularly when the organism is difficult to culture.

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The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the newly developed SMG HHV-6 Q Real-Time PCR Kit (SMG assay) with the RealStar HHV-6 PCR Kit (RealStar assay). The analytical sensitivity and specificity, linearity, and precision of the SMG assay were evaluated. The clinical performance of the SMG assay was assessed and compared with that of the RealStar assay using 207 clinical specimens (HHV-6A positive, n = 51; HHV-6B positive, n = 64; HHV-6A/B negative, n = 92). The limit of detection of the SMG assay was 2.92 log10 copies/mL for HHV-6A DNA and 2.88 log10 copies/mL for HHV-6B DNA. The linear range was determined to be 3.40-9.00 log10 copies/mL for both viruses. Intra- and inter-assay variability were below 5% at concentrations ranging from 4 to 9 log10 copies/mL. No cross-reactivity was observed with the 25 microorganisms included in the specificity panel. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the SMG and RealStar assays compared to in-house polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were as follows: SMG assay, 98.0% and 100% for HHV-6A DNA, respectively, and 96.9% and 100% for HHV-6B DNA, respectively; RealStar assay, 98.0% and 100% for HHV-6A DNA, respectively, and 90.6% and 100% for HHV-6B DNA, respectively. The correlation coefficients between viral loads measured by the two assays were 0.948 and 0.975, with mean differences of 0.62 and 0.32 log10 copies/mL for HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA, respectively. These results demonstrate that the SMG assay is a sensitive and reliable tool for the quantitative detection and differentiation of HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA.IMPORTANCEQuantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) that can distinguish between HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA is recommended for diagnosis of active infection. The SMG HHV-6 Q Real-Time PCR Kit (SMG assay) is a newly developed qPCR assay that can differentiate between HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA; however, little is known about its performance. In this study, we assessed the performance of the SMG assay and compared it with that of a commercially available qPCR assay, the RealStar HHV-6 PCR Kit (RealStar assay). The SMG assay demonstrated excellent analytical sensitivity and specificity, precision, and linearity. Furthermore, the viral loads measured by the SMG assay were highly correlated with those measured by the RealStar assay. Our results suggest that the SMG assay is a useful diagnostic tool for quantitative detection and differentiation of HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA.

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BACKGROUND: Human herpesvirus-6 is a rare infection in an immunocompetent adult. In existing literature, there is a dearth of knowledge that mainly exists as case reports and case series. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, we described a 29-year-old female of Myanmarese descent patient from Myanmar who presented with altered mental status and non-specific respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. She was initially treated for pneumonia and discharged well. However, she re-presented to the hospital and was subsequently treated for severe central nervous system infection. Cerebrospinal fluid studies detected human herpesvirus-6 polymerase chain reaction with associated high serum human herpesvirus-6 concentration. This infection also triggered hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Treatment was initiated against both human herpesvirus-6 infection and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and she responded to antiviral treatment and steroids, respectively. CONCLUSION: This case study highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of this severe disease and the dangerous complications. Additionally, the authors share insights on the diagnostic challenges faced in the treatment of this patient.

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Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe drug reaction where patients present with fever, morbilliform rash and multiorgan manifestations, which may include acute renal failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and eosinophilic myocarditis. We present a case of a 60-year-old woman with acute heart failure, DRESS syndrome features and human herpesvirus 6 reactivation in the absence of a drug trigger. She was diagnosed with eosinophilic myocarditis and successfully treated with corticosteroid therapy.

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CONTEXT: In the previous issue of this journal, we reported that the incidence of fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) due to the drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) in Japan is higher than that in the general population and is associated with HLAB62. On the other hand, the reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), which has been reported to be associated with DIHS, was observed at a higher frequency, but its association with the development of FT1D was unclear. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to clarify the relationship between the onset of FT1D and the reactivation of HHV-6. METHODS: We conducted a literature search for cases of DIHS-induced FT1D in addition to previously reported cases, and investigated the changes in the HHV-6 antibody titer before and after the onset of FT1D. RESULTS: The HHV-6 antibody titer was increased just before or after the onset of FT1D in all 8 cases. In one case, HHV-6 DNA was also identified shortly before the onset of FT1D. CONCLUSION: These results indicate for the first time that the reactivation of HHV-6 is associated with the onset of FT1D caused by DIHS.　.

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Background and Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). MS results from an inflammatory process leading to the loss of neural tissue and increased disability over time. The role of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), as one of the most common global viruses, in MS development has been the subject of several studies. However, many related questions are still unanswered. This study aimed to review the connection between MS and EBV and provide a quick outline of MS prevention using EBV vaccination. Methods: For this narrative review, an extensive literature search using specific terms was conducted across online databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, to identify pertinent studies. Results: Several studies proved that almost 100% of people with MS showed a history of EBV infection, and there was an association between high titers of EBV antibodies and an increased risk of MS development. Various hypotheses are proposed for how EBV may contribute to MS directly and indirectly: (1) Molecular Mimicry, (2) Mistaken Self, (3) Bystander Damage, and (4) Autoreactive B cells infected with EBV. Conclusion: Given the infectious nature of EBV and its ability to elude the immune system, EBV emerges as a strong candidate for being the underlying cause of MS. The development of an EBV vaccine holds promise for preventing MS; however, overcoming the challenge of creating a safe and efficacious vaccine presents a significant obstacle.

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INTRODUCTION: Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) encephalitis is common in immunosuppressed patients and presents a diagnostic challenge for physicians. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) may facilitate early diagnosis of HHV-6B encephalitis. Herein, we described a case of HHV-6B encephalitis following transplantation for severe aplastic anemia (SAA) diagnosed by mNGS. CASE SUMMARY: A 31-year-old male underwent myeloablative haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of SAA. On day + 21 after transplantation, the patient developed symptoms such as sudden epilepsy, drowsiness, memory dislocation, and memory loss. HHV-6B encephalitis was confirmed based on cranial MRI and mNGS of cerebrospinal fluid. Following antiviral therapy with sodium foscarnet, the symptoms improved and HHV-6B was negative by mNGS. There were no serious sequelae. Currently, the patient is in good health and is still under follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A case of HHV-6B encephalitis after SAA transplantation was diagnosed by mNGS of cerebrospinal fluid in time and was effectively treated with sodium foscarnet.

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