A Case of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Caused by Human Herpesvirus 6B

Authors

• Lihong Gao, Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Nursing Unit, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, ChinaFollow
• Yang Wen, Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, China

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe inflammatory response syndrome. Common infectious triggers include Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, bacteria, and other pathogens. We report a case of HLH caused by human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) in a pediatric patient. Based on the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria, the patient fulfilled 5 of 8 criteria, establishing a definitive diagnosis. HHV-6-associated HLH is rarely reported in the literature. The etiological diagnosis was confirmed through metagenomic next - generation sequencing, highlighting its utility in identifying underlying causes of HLH when the etiology remains unknown.

Recommended Citation

Gao, Lihong and Wen, Yang (2026) "A Case of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Caused by Human Herpesvirus 6B," Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases: Vol. 21: Iss. 4, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53391/1305-7707.1074
Available at: https://jpid.researchcommons.org/journal/vol21/iss4/1