Rare Presentation of HHV-7 Meningitis in a Nonimmunocompromised Adult: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7) is a member of the herpesvirus family that is commonly asymptomatic during infection, but it can lead to the development of exanthema subitum. Although HHV-7 primarily affects children and establishes latency in the body, reactivation of HHV-7 can occur in individuals with compromised immune systems and those using immunosuppressive medications, resulting in diverse clinical manifestations. However, the acute HHV-7 presentation in immunocompetent adults is uncommon.

CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a rare presentation of HHV-7 meningitis in an immunocompetent adult.

CONCLUSION

This case report should raise concern about the atypical presentation of HHV-7 infection in an immunocompetent adult host, suggesting the urge to expand investigation on the pathogenicity of HHV-7 for better understanding of the mechanism of infection, early clinical intervention, and avoidance of further manifestations and death.