HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in an immunocompetent child

Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), is classically known as the causative agent of roseola infantum, which is a self-limiting illness in younger children. Rarely, it causes encephalitis, with most cases occurring in immunocompromised individuals. We report an unusual case of an eight-year-old healthy boy w...

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Main Authors: Mohd Taib, Niazlin, Awang Hamat, Rukman, Rohaizat, Shahidatulnadia, Amir, Amira
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia 2024
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118585/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118585/1/118585.pdf
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author Mohd Taib, Niazlin
Awang Hamat, Rukman
Rohaizat, Shahidatulnadia
Amir, Amira
author_facet Mohd Taib, Niazlin
Awang Hamat, Rukman
Rohaizat, Shahidatulnadia
Amir, Amira
author_sort Mohd Taib, Niazlin
building UPM Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), is classically known as the causative agent of roseola infantum, which is a self-limiting illness in younger children. Rarely, it causes encephalitis, with most cases occurring in immunocompromised individuals. We report an unusual case of an eight-year-old healthy boy with HHV-6 encephalitis that progressed to acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). His cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis indicated a viral etiology and a Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel PCR confirmed the presence of HHV-6. The patient’s condition significantly improved following treatment with intravenous acyclovir and intravenous immunoglobulin. HHV-6 encephalitis in immunocompetent children is rare but can lead to serious sequelae. The QIAstat-Dx Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel is a timely diagnostic method valuable for detecting 15 types of pathogens causing CSF infection. Therefore, it enables clinicians to initiate targeted treatment strategies promptly. This case highlights that HHV-6 encephalitis can occur in immunocompetent pediatric patients and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
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spelling upm-1185852025-07-18T01:22:46Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118585/ HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in an immunocompetent child Mohd Taib, Niazlin Awang Hamat, Rukman Rohaizat, Shahidatulnadia Amir, Amira Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), is classically known as the causative agent of roseola infantum, which is a self-limiting illness in younger children. Rarely, it causes encephalitis, with most cases occurring in immunocompromised individuals. We report an unusual case of an eight-year-old healthy boy with HHV-6 encephalitis that progressed to acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). His cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis indicated a viral etiology and a Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel PCR confirmed the presence of HHV-6. The patient’s condition significantly improved following treatment with intravenous acyclovir and intravenous immunoglobulin. HHV-6 encephalitis in immunocompetent children is rare but can lead to serious sequelae. The QIAstat-Dx Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel is a timely diagnostic method valuable for detecting 15 types of pathogens causing CSF infection. Therefore, it enables clinicians to initiate targeted treatment strategies promptly. This case highlights that HHV-6 encephalitis can occur in immunocompetent pediatric patients and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia 2024 Article PeerReviewed text en cc_by_4 http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118585/1/118585.pdf Mohd Taib, Niazlin and Awang Hamat, Rukman and Rohaizat, Shahidatulnadia and Amir, Amira (2024) HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in an immunocompetent child. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 20 (suppl.11). pp. 126-128. ISSN 1675-8544; eISSN: 2636-9346 http://www.medic.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/2024123018394427_MJMHS_1008.pdf 10.47836/mjmhs20.s11.27
spellingShingle Mohd Taib, Niazlin
Awang Hamat, Rukman
Rohaizat, Shahidatulnadia
Amir, Amira
HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in an immunocompetent child
title HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in an immunocompetent child
title_full HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in an immunocompetent child
title_fullStr HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in an immunocompetent child
title_full_unstemmed HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in an immunocompetent child
title_short HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in an immunocompetent child
title_sort hhv-6 encephalitis associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (adem) in an immunocompetent child
url http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118585/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118585/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118585/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118585/1/118585.pdf