Roseolavirus

Background

Microbiology

• Group of viruses that includes HHV-6B (most common cause), as well as HHV-6A and HHV-7 (less common cause)

Epidemiology

• Most commonly infects children between 6 months and 2 years of age
• Transmission likely from asymptomatic shedding in saliva

Clinical Manifestations

• Causes roseola infantum, also known as exanthem subitum or sixth disease
• Fever can be high-grade and typically lasts 3 to 5 days, followed by defervescence and appearance of rash
• Rash is typically rose-pink, discrete circular or elliptical macular or maculopapular lesions measuring 2 to 5 mm
  • Blanchable
  • Starts on trunk and spreads to neck and proximal extremities
  • Lasts 2 to 4 days
• Children generally otherwise appear well
• Can cause febrile seizure

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is made clinically

Management

• Case reports exist of treating HHV-6 meningitis with ganciclovir or foscarnet