Fulminant hepatic failure attributed to infection with human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in an immunocompetent woman: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Mild disease due to human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) has been reported in healthy children. Severe disease due to this virus can occur in immunocompromised patients but is rarely reported in previously healthy adults. We report the case of a previously healthy woman who presented with a skin rash, mild upper respiratory symptoms, and abdominal pain and succumbed to fulminant hepatic failure attributed to infection with HHV-6B. HHV-6 may be more commonly associated with fulminant hepatitis in immunocompetent patients than previously thought and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with skin rash, upper respiratory symptoms, and unexplained hepatitis.

Keywords: Fulminant hepatitis; HHV-6; Human herpesvirus-6; Immunocompetent; Liver failure; Rash.