Molecular Testing for HHV-6 Infection

摘要: Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on human-herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) molecular diagnosis. Major advances in the field of HHV-6 diagnosis, are made possible part by polymerase chain reaction PCR technology and availability genomic sequence information. As a result, it is now to consider tests that can differentiate between three states infection: (1) primary infection, (2) reinfection or reactivation, (3) latency persistence. Primary infection typically occurs early childhood, age years. adulthood rare, but may be associated with more severe symptoms. Infection generally symptomatic, causing classical Exanthem subitum roseola, febrile illness without rash, diarrhea irritability. issues designing diagnostic for include provide rapid assay useful information short time distinguish virus versus viral reactivation latent infection. PCR-based assays detect DNA cell-free plasma specimens—so as identify viremic individuals—with successful use many clinical applications including analysis infection/reactivation hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Reverse -transcription have been used demonstrate previously infected children most often asymptomatic, occur substantial frequency. phenomenon an important consideration interpretation results from HHV-6. An testing existence two distinct variants, known HHV-6A HHV-6B common genome organization, some 90% nucleotide identity. Other acellular body fluids also utility—most notably, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens. Detection cellular CSF greatest /diagnostic relevance HSCTrecipients, where has CNS dysfunction absence any other etiology.