The latency rate of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) in positive and negative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of intravenous drug users (IVDU)

Abstract

The seropositive and latency rates of HHV6 among IVDU with positive and negative HIV and control group were demonstrated. By immunofluorescent antibody test, no differences in the seropositive rates were found among these three groups. All groups had seropositive rate at the average 89% and GMT antibody 1:26. This meant that most of them had previous infection with HHV6. In addition, HHV6-DNA was determined and classified into subgroups: HHV6A and HHV6B, by polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence of HHV6-DNA indicated HHV6 latency in vivo. High latency rate of HHV6 was found in all three groups (the average 54%). Moreover, HHV6B (49%) had a higher frequency than HHV6A (5%); HHV6A was found only in IVDU with or without HIV infection. The result suggested that the HHV6 latency in IVDU with positive HIV may possibly transactivate HIV. The pathogenesis of HHV6 in AIDS patients should be further investigated. However, this research finding is useful for treatment, health care, prevention and control of AIDS in case of dual infections and latency of herpesvirus infections in AIDS.