HWN Suggests

Update on human herpesvirus 7 pathogenesis and clinical aspects as a roadmap for future research

Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) is a common virus that is associated with various human diseases including febrile syndromes, dermatological lesions, neurological defects, and transplant complications. Still, HHV-7 remains one of the least studied members of all human betaherpesviruses. In addition, HHV-7-related research is mostly confined to case reports, while in vitro or in vivo studies unraveling basic virology, transmission mechanisms, and viral pathogenesis are sparse... Although HHV-7 infection is generally considered to be benign, an increasing number of studies link the virus to more severe clinical syndromes such as transplant complications and neurological defects. Still, the virus is…

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Articles of Interest

Human herpesvirus 7 in dermatology: what role does it play?

Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) was discovered in 1989 as a new member of the beta-herpesvirus subfamily. Primary infection occurs early in life and manifests as exanthema subitum, or other febrile illnesses mimicking measles and rubella. Thus, HHV-7 has to be considered as a causative agent in a variety of macular-papular rashes in children. In addition, HHV-7 was found in some cases of other inflammatory skin disorders, such as psoriasis. There are controversial data on the detection of HHV-7 in pityriasis rosea, but so far there is not enough evidence for a pathogenetic association of HHV-7 with this exanthematic skin disease.

Encephalitis associated with human herpesvirus-7 infection in an immunocompetent adult

Primary Human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7) infection usually occurs during childhood and causes several clinical manifestations: mainly exanthem subitum (roseola infantum), followed by a lifelong latent state with possible reactivation in case of immunodeficiency. Nevertheless, some considerably different approaches exist regarding the natural history of HHV-7 and the possible consequences of HHV-7 infection in immunocompetent adults. In particular, little is known about its pathogenic role in central nervous system (CNS) disease in nonimmunosuppressed adults.

Human Herpes virus 7 infections in children. Clinical and laboratory aspects

HHV7 infection is significant in the modern pathology of the child. The presence of such syndromes as recurrent tonsillitis, cervical lymphadenopathy or isolated enlargement of submandibular lymph nodes, periodic fever, pharyngitis, recurrent ARI in combination with hepato - and/ or splenomegaly, fatigue, and headache is often associated with HHV7.

Human Herpesvirus-6 and -7 (HHV-6 and HHV-7)

HHV-6 and HHV-7 are lymphotropic β-herpesviruses that usually infect humans within the first few years of life. Primary infection is asymptomatic or manifests as febrile childhood illnesses including exanthem subitum and results in life-long latency as seen with other herpesviruses. Seroprevalence rates in adults are over 90% (1,2). Therefore, in adults, most infections after transplant are likely due to reactivation of endogenous latent virus.

Human Herpesviruses 6 and 7 and Central Nervous System Infection in Children

Human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 and HHV-7 are ubiquitous T-lymphotropic viruses that infect most humans. Infections with either agent occur primarily during childhood.

Human Herpesviruses 6, 7, and 8 From a Dermatologic Perspective

The identified disease association of HHV-6 and HHV-7 is roseola infantum, also known as exanthem subitum, which develops in only a few infected children. A more debated association of the 2 viruses is pityriasis rosea.

More evidence supporting the role of HHV-6 and HHV-7 as possible triggers of pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a skin condition of sudden onset that usually disappears over several weeks. First, a rose-colored “herald patch” with scaling borders appears, usually on the trunk. This is followed 1-2 weeks later by multiple small oval-shaped lesions on the trunk and limbs that often are very itchy. It long has been assumed that PR is likely caused by viral infection, but evidence of that has been relatively weak. However, over the past 5-10 years, reports from multiple laboratories have suggested that both HHV-6 and HHV-7 are linked to PR

Roseola (Human Herpesvirus 6 and 7)—Child Care and Schools

Red, raised rash lasting from hours to several days that becomes apparent the day the fever breaks (usually the fourth day). Incubation period: 9 to 10 days for human herpesvirus 6; incubation for human herpesvirus 7 is unknown.