Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infects almost everyone. It can cause roseola in kids, and in adults, it’s linked to a wide range of conditions. Learn more.

Understanding the Context

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is the common collective name for human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) and human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B). These closely related viruses are two of the nine known herpesviruses that have humans as their primary host. The virology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of HHV-6 infection, as well as clinical issues in children, are presented separately; HHV-6 infection in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients is also discussed elsewhere. Human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) is a common virus that infects nearly everyone, usually in early childhood.

Key Insights

HHV-6 usually goes away without treatment, but some people may need an antiviral medication. What is human herpesvirus/HHV? Ada doctors explain what it is, its symptoms, causes, and possible treatment options. Growing evidence implicates HHV-6, especially HHV-6A, in some cases of female infertility, miscarriage, and other gestational problems affecting both the mother and child. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) was the sixth herpesvirus discovered.

Final Thoughts

Isolated in 1986 during attempts to find novel viruses in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases, HHV-6 is now recognized... SUMMARY Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a widespread betaherpesvirus which is genetically related to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and now encompasses two different species: HHV-6A and HHV-6B. HHV-6 exhibits a wide cell tropism in vivo and, like other herpesviruses, induces a lifelong latent infection in humans.