Atypical CD4+/CD8+ Lymphocytosis and Prolonged Pancytopenia Associated with Human Herpesvirus 6 Reactivation after Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

ConclusionThis instructive case demonstrates that HHV6 reactivation after autologous PBSCT can be associated with atypical lymphocytosis of characteristic CD4+/CD8+ cells and subsequent prolonged pancytopenia. HHV6 is known to induce expression of CD4 in CD8+ lymphocytes, and that viral reactivation likely led to the observed CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytosis. As autologous HCT remains a component of MM comprehensive therapy, transplant infectious diseases specialists and HCT physicians are encouraged to have a low index of suspicion for HHV6 reactivation when assessing MM patients who develop persistent fevers, rashes, atypical lymphocytosis or prolonged marrow hypoplasia after autologous HCT.
Source: Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research