Human Herpes Virus Type 6 is Associated with CNS Infections in Children in Sudan

Abstract Objective HHV-6 is increasingly recognized as febrile agent in children, however, less is known in sub-Saharan African countries. In here, we aimed to investigate the involvement of HHV-6 in pediatric CNS infections in Khartoum, Sudan. This report is part of a larger study on the microbial aetiologies of CNS infections in this population. Results Out of 503, 13 (2.6%) CSF specimens were positive for HHV-6 DNA which constituted 33% (13/40) of cases with proven infectious meningitis. Median Ct for all HHV-6 positive specimens was 38 with range of 31.9 to 40.8. Median virus copy was 281.3/PCR run (1x105 virus copies/ml CSF) with range of 30 to 44x103 copies/PCR run (12x103 and 18x106 virus copies/ml CSF). All positive patients presented with fever, vomiting and 86% with seizures. Male to female ratio was 1:1; 50% were toddlers, 42% infants and 8% teenagers. Most (83%) were admitted in the dry season and 17% in the rainy season. CSF leukocytosis was seen in 33%. Normal and low CSF glucose levels were seen in 86% and 14%, respectively. CSF proteins levels were low in 14% and high in 43%. In conclusion, HHV-6 is common in CNS infections in children in Sudan.