Eurofins Biomnis code

HHV6G

Synonyms

• Exanthem subitum - serology
• HHV-6 - serology
• HSV6
• Roseola

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

Human herpesvirus Type 6 (HHV6) belongs to the Herpesviridae family and is closely related to cytomegalovirus. It has a tropism for T-lymphocytes. Primary infection is usually early in childhood and most cases are asymptomatic. However it can induce clinical symptoms, the most common of which is exanthema subitum (also called sixth disease and roseola infantum) which can entail neurological complications. The virus is commonly isolated from immunodeficient patients with encephalitis. Diagnosis depends on detecting viral DNA (by PCR assay) in the blood or, if necessary, in the CSF. Primary infection can be diagnosed on the basis of documented seroconversion or the detection of specific IgM, although IgM antibodies can persist for long periods. IgG antibodies also persist for a long time. Interpreting serological results is complicated by the fact that there is extensive cross-reactivity between different herpesviruses.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• serum (do not use 10 mL tube)
•   Reftrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Methodology

Indirect immunofluorescence

Turnaround time

8 days