Human herpesvirus-6B active infection associated with relapsing bilateral anterior optic neuritis.
J Clin Virol
; 37(4): 244-7, 2006 Dec.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17005444
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is the causative agent of exanthem subitum. Both HHV-6 variants, A and B, have been associated with central nervous system (CNS) diseases, suggesting a wide neuropathogenic potential. We describe a case of recurrent bilateral anterior optic neuritis with HHV-6 active infection associated with clinical relapses. CASE REPORT A 23-year old woman presented with progressive visual impairment, bilateral papillitis and painful ocular movements. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA viruses, HHV-6 variant specific real time quantitative PCR, serological analysis and retrotranscription PCR (RT-PCR) for HHV-6 mRNA transcripts were performed. Nested PCR in PBMC and CSF samples was negative for all viruses but positive for HHV-6 DNA, subtyped as HHV-6B. The disease had a relapsing/remitting course. During relapses PBMC samples remained positive for HHV-6 DNA, and HHV-6 active infection was confirmed by the presence of anti-HHV-6 IgM and of HHV-6 U27 mRNA transcript. High viremia levels and relapses were overlapping. After the last relapse, the patient was successfully treated with gancyclovir.CONCLUSIONS:
The case reported here suggests a possible association of HHV-6 in bilateral optic neuritis. HHV-6 could be monitored when bilateral optic neuritis is identified, in order to establish an appropriate antiviral therapy.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Neurite Óptica
/
Herpesvirus Humano 6
/
Infecções por Herpesviridae
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Female
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Clin Virol
Assunto da revista:
VIROLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2006
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Itália