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Prevalence of Human Herpesvirus‐6 Chromosomal Integration (CIHHV‐6) in Italian Solid Organ and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Author(s) -
Potenza L.,
Barozzi P.,
Masetti M.,
Pecorari M.,
Bresciani P.,
GautheretDejean A.,
Riva G.,
Vallerini D.,
Tagliazucchi S.,
Codeluppi M.,
Di Benedetto F.,
Gerunda G. E.,
Narni F.,
Torelli G.,
Luppi M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
american journal of transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.89
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1600-6143
pISSN - 1600-6135
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2009.02685.x
Subject(s) - medicine , solid organ , human herpesvirus , organ transplantation , stem cell , transplantation , immunology , pathology , virology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , genetics , biology
The unique phenomenon of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) chromosomal integration (CIHHV‐6) may account for clinical drawbacks in transplant setting, being misinterpreted as active infection and leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments. We have investigated the prevalence of CIHHV‐6 in 205 consecutive solid organ (SO) and allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) Italian patients. Fifty‐two (38.5%) of 135 solid organ transplant (SOT) and 16 (22.8%) of 70 alloSCT patients resulted positive for plasma HHV‐6 DNA by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Seven SOT and three alloSCT patients presented HHV‐6‐related diseases, requiring antivirals. Two further patients (0.9%) were identified, presenting high HHV‐6 loads. The quantification of HHV‐6 on hair follicles disclosed the integrated state, allowing the discontinuation of antivirals. Before starting specific treatments, CIHHV‐6 should be excluded in transplant patients with HHV‐6 viremia by the comparison of HHV‐6 loads on different fluids and tissues. Pretransplantation screening of donors and recipients may further prevent the misdiagnosis of CIHHV‐6.