1.     Is HHV-6 the herpes virus that causes genital herpes? What about shingles?

2.     How is HHV-6 related to other herpesviruses?

3.     With which diseases is HHV-6 thought to be connected?

4.     Do patients with other chronic neurologic diseases (ALS, myasthenia gravis, etc.) test positive for HHV-6?

5.     Can chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) progress to MS?

6.    Are other herpesviruses besides HHV-6 involved with Multiple Sclerosis?

7.    Do MS patients with both the relapsing/remitting and the progressive forms of MS test positive for HHV-6?

8.    Why is antiviral therapy beneficial to patients with MS?

9.    How might current therapies for MS work on HHV-6?

10.    Can current treatments (like Betaseron) be taken with other antiviral drugs?

11.    Will antiviral therapy reverse demyelination and lead to repair of damaged tissues?

12.    Does the infection come back if the antiviral therapy is stopped?

13.    Which antiviral treatments will work for HHV-6?

14.    Will oral antiviral treatments work for HHV-6?

15.    What are the side effects of these drugs?

16.    Can you refer me to a physician in my area to get tested or consider treatment?

17.    How can my doctor find out more about HHV-6?

         Back to top of FAQs       

1.     Is HHV-6 the herpesvirus that causes genital herpes? What about shingles?

HHV-6 does not cause genital herpes or shingles. Genital herpes is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and shingles is caused by Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) which is also the cause of chicken pox. For more information on HSV, go to www.genitalherpes.com

2.     How is HHV-6 related to other herpesviruses?

There are currently 8 known members of the herpesvirus family. Although all of these viruses share some similar traits, such as latency and the potential for reactivation, HHV-6 differs from other herpesviruses in the diseases it causes. 

3.     With which diseases is HHV-6 thought to be connected?

HHV-6 has been identified as the cause of roseola in infants and is known to be an opportunistic infection in transplant recipients. Recent studies suggest that HHV-6 may also play a role in MS and CFS.

4.     Do patients with other chronic neurologic diseases (ALS, myasthenia gravis, etc.) test positive for HHV-6?

No, not based on our current research.

5.     Can chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) progress to MS?

Although individuals in both groups of patients test positive for HHV-6, the progression of CFS to MS is unlikely based on patient studies.

6.    Are other herpesviruses besides HHV-6 involved with Multiple Sclerosis?

HHV-6 is the only herpesvirus to be found in active form in MS patients.

7.    Do MS patients with both the relapsing/remitting and the progressive forms of MS test positive for HHV-6?

                    Yes. Click here for a detailed discussion of the findings of our research.

8.     Why is antiviral therapy beneficial to patients with MS?

If the chronic viral infection could be controlled in these patients, it may decrease the number of relapses and halt progression of the disease.

9.     How might current therapies for MS work on HHV-6?

Interferons (including Betaseron and Avonex) known to be potent antiviral agents that may help to suppress active HHV-6 infections.

10.    Can current treatments (like Betaseron) be taken with other antiviral drugs?

Currently, there is reason to believe that current treatments for MS (such as the beta interferons) could be used with other antiviral drugs. Click here for references on Dual Drug Therapy.

11.    Will antiviral therapy reverse demyelination and lead to repair of damaged tissues?

Antiviral therapy may halt the destruction of more tissue, but it is unlikely that it would lead to myelin repair or to the restoration of already damaged tissues.

12.    Does the infection come back if the antiviral therapy is stopped?

Probably, but we are not certain. Treatment may need to be continuous. For this reason, intravenous therapy (long-term) may be impractical.

13.     Which antiviral treatments will work for HHV-6?

Test tube studies have shown that acyclovir (Zovirax) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are not effective against HHV-6. In the same test tube studies, both ganciclovir (Cytovene) and foscarnet (Foscavir) have demonstrated the ability to suppress HHV-6. Whether these drugs or other antiviral agents will be effective in treating patients with MS or other HHV-6 related chronic infections is an important area of ongoing research interest.

14.      Will oral antiviral treatments work for HHV-6?

As noted above, it is unlikely that Zovirax and Valtrex will be effective in treating active HHV-6. An oral form of ganciclovir (Cytovene) is currently available, but has very poor bioavailability (low blood levels). Therefore, it would probably be ineffective. A newer form of oral ganciclovir is currently being evaluated.

15.     What are the side effects of these drugs?

It is probably best to refer to the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) or to discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist. Click here to go to our discussion on the Antiviral Drug page.

16.     Can you refer me to a physician in my area to get tested or consider treatment?

Unfortunately, we do not have a referral service.

17.    How can my doctor find out more about HHV-6?

Click here to go to the Physicians’ Corner, where your doctor can find a thorough discussion of HHV-6 and disease.