HHV-6 encephalitis presenting as status epilepticus in an immunocompetent patient

Abstract

Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) infections are frequently detected in patients with immunosuppressed transplant; however, reactivation in an immunocompetent patient is rarely reported. The author reports the case of a 65-year-old woman presenting with status epilepticus with foci in the temporal and occipital lobe and MRI suggestive of encephalitis in the parietal, occipital and temporal regions. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed normal cell counts, protein and glucose levels and hence viral aetiologies were considered. The patient' s workup returned positive for HHV-6 in serum as well as CSF. The patient responded well to a 21-day course of antivirals with complete resolution of her symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering HHV-6 encephalitis even among immunocompetent patients presenting with encephalitis and having signs of temporal lobe involvement.