DNA Test Background Human Herpesvirus 6 is a serologically and genetically distinct member of the Herpesviridae family, and like other herpesviruses it does establish latent infection in the human host.
Symptomatic infection takes the form of roseola, with characteristic rash and accompanying fever.
HHV 6 has been detected in cerebral spinal fluid in roseola patients, suggesting neurological complications. In adults, reactivation of infection has been documented in immunocompromised hosts, including organ and bone marrow transplant patients. Chronic fatigue syndrome has been associated with higher than normal HHV 6 serological titers. DNA amplification assay can be designed to specifically detect HHV 6 in patient specimens. PCR is not only highly specific, but highly sensitive for diagnostic use due to the ability to amplify HHV 6 target sequences from diverse specimen types.