Korean Journal of Infectious Diseases  2001;33(6):448-452

Human Herpes Virus-6 Meningoencephalitis Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Dong Gun LEE 1 ; Yoo Jin KIM ; Jung Hyun CHOI ; Wan Shik SHIN ; Sang Tae PARK ; Dong Kyun SON ; Dong Wook KIM ; Woo Sung MIN ; Chun Choo KIM

Affiliations

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Keywords

Herpesvirus 6; Human; Encephalitis; viral; Bone marrow transplantation

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Two cases of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) encephalitis that occurred after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) are presented. Both patients reported fever, skin rashes, and neurological symptoms, characterized by disorientation, confusion and drowsy mental status. HHV-6B DNA was detected from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay including EBV, CMV, HHV-6B. After treatment with intravenous gan ciclovir for 2~3 weeks, all clinical manifestations were resolved and the HHV-6B DNA was cleared from the CSF in both patients. HHV-6 should be considered as a possible cause of neurological symptoms after HSCT, and prompt antiviral treatment should be begun.