(beta) news briefs: should all blood be screened for hhv-6?

BETA (BETA) News Briefs: Should All Blood Be Screened for HHV-6? Ronald Baker, PhD
September 1, 1995

Some researchers, including Robert Gallo, MD, believe that human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6) may be an important disease-causing agent in AIDS. The potential pathogenic role of HHV-6 is not yet clearly understood, but there is suggestive evidence that the virus may play a significant role in several diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and AIDS. Two editorials in AIDS Weekly Plus (November 1994 and July 1995) have called for the screening of HHV-6 in blood and blood products. A PCR test for HHV-6 DNA is now available and could be used to prevent the transfusion of HHV-6-infected blood into immunocompromised individuals and to blood or blood product recipients who are HHV-6 negative. The editors of AIDS Weekly Plus note that HHV-6 is widely disseminated in immunosuppressed patients and is reactivated as HIV disease progresses. For a more detailed article on HHV-6, see pages 18-21 in the June 1994 issue of BETA.

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Copyright © 1995 -BETA, Publisher. All rights reserved to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Reproduced by permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through BETA: PO Box 426182, San Francisco, CA 94142-6182. Tel: 415 487 8060 Fax: 415 487 8069 San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Mail SFAF.. Information in this article was accurate in September 1, 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.