[Herpesvirus 6. What attention does it deserve in general practice?].

The human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) is a member of the beta-herpes viridae family. The primary infection is usually asymptomatic and commonly occurs during childhood. The clinical form is called exanthema subitum, or roseala infantum or the 6th disease. This biphasic disorder usually runs a benign course and requires no antiviral treatment. However, the HHV6 reactivation can lead to serious systemic diseases, especially encephalopathy, that may be fatal in the immunocompromised or grafted patient. In seronegative pregnant women, a primary HHV6 infection contracted from a child with roseola infantum can lead, in rare instances, to spontaneous abortion during the first trimester, or produce neurological complications in the newborn after HHV6 transplacental infection. Aciclovir, ganciclovir (GCV), foscarnet and cidofovir show anti-HHV6 in vitro efficacy, but GCV is currently the first line agent when of HHV6 infection is diagnosed in the immunocompromised patient.