Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ PubMed Centralarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
PubMed Central
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: PubMed Central
Cureus
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
Cureus
Article
versions View all 3 versions
addClaim

Human Herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) Encephalitis in an Immunocompetent Patient and Its Association With Glioblastoma: A Case Report

Authors: Aleixo, Rute; Sá, Rosa; Ramos, Isabel; Valente, Cristina;

Human Herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) Encephalitis in an Immunocompetent Patient and Its Association With Glioblastoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a neurotropic virus capable of establishing latency in the central nervous system. While its reactivation is well-documented in immunocompromised individuals, its role in immunocompetent hosts remains unclear. Additionally, growing but inconclusive evidence suggests a potential association between HHV-6 and glioblastoma. We present the case of a 65-year-old immunocompetent male who developed HHV-6A-associated meningoencephalitis, followed by the diagnosis of high-grade glioblastoma within months. The patient initially presented with altered consciousness, seizures, fever, and right-sided motor deficits, leading to a diagnosis of HHV-6A meningoencephalitis confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid and plasma polymerase chain reaction. Despite clinical improvement with antiviral therapy, he developed progressive neurological symptoms two months later, and neuroimaging revealed multiple expansile lesions with significant mass effects. A stereotactic brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of glioblastoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase-wildtype, and the patient ultimately succumbed to the disease. The temporal association between HHV-6A infection and glioblastoma raises critical questions about its potential role in tumorigenesis. While previous studies have detected HHV-6 DNA and proteins in glioma tissues, supporting hypotheses of viral-mediated inflammation, immune modulation, and oncogenic interactions, a direct causal link remains unproven. Additionally, the patient's treatment with valganciclovir, an antiviral explored as a potential glioblastoma adjuvant therapy, prompts discussion about its possible influence on tumor progression. Further research into HHV-6's oncogenic potential may provide valuable insights into gliomagenesis and open avenues for novel therapeutic strategies, including antiviral approaches in glioblastoma management.

Keywords

Neurology

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green