The Relationship between the Appearance of the Characteristic Skin Eruption and HHV-6 Reactivation in Drug-induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS)

Abstract

We studied the relationship between the appearance of the characteristic skin eruption and HHV-6 reactivation in DIHS. Six patients with DIHS, who were treated in Ehime University Hospital from 2001 to 2007, exhibiteded the characteristic skin eruption pattern that included erythema and edema in the face and perioral red papules, pustules, vesicles and scales. HHV-6 reactivation was observed in all six patients. The exact date of HHV-6 reactivation was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay of serial serum or whole blood samples. In all DIHS six patients, the characteristic skin eruptions in the face always preceded HHV-6 reactivation. This is the first time that this characteristic sequential response has been elucidated.