Reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection in patients with connective tissue diseases

J Clin Virol. 2009 Sep;46(1):43-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2009.05.010. Epub 2009 Jun 9.

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the involvement of human herpesviruses 6 and 7 (HHV-6 and HHV-7) in autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTD).

Objective: To determine the prevalence of active infection with HHV-6 and HHV-7 in patients with ACTD.

Study design: The presence and quantity of HHV-6 DNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR in a cross-sectional study of serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and tissues obtained from 58 ACTD patients and 38 healthy subjects (HS). Specific anti-HHV-6 antibody titer was also measured.

Results: HHV-6 serum viremia occurred in a significantly higher proportion of ACTD patients compared to HS [26/58 (44.8%) vs. 1/38 (2.6%), p=0.001] with the highest reactivation frequency [7/10 (70%)] observed in patients with scleroderma. Moreover, HHV-6 in serum was associated with ACTD activity (22/38 vs. 4/20, p<0.05). Higher titers of HHV-6 antibodies were found in ACTD patients than in HS, although HHV-6 seroprevalence among patients with ACTD and HS was similar. HHV-7 viremia was not detected in any patients or HS controls.

Conclusion: The frequent reactivation of HHV-6 in scleroderma and other ACTD, especially when active, suggests that HHV-6 may play a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Autoimmune Diseases / virology*
  • Child
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / complications*
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / virology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / isolation & purification
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / physiology*
  • Herpesvirus 7, Human / isolation & purification
  • Herpesvirus 7, Human / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Prevalence
  • Roseolovirus Infections / complications*
  • Roseolovirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Roseolovirus Infections / virology
  • Viremia
  • Virus Activation*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • DNA, Viral