Uncovering the cause of pneumonia: reactivation of HHV-6B in an immunocompromised patient

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) can reactivate in immunocompromised individuals and cause severe atypical pneumonia, so it is important to recognise this entity when a patient fails to improve their clinical outcome with conventional therapy.In patients diagnosed with pneumonitis, DNA PCR testing can detect HHV-6 from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid making this a powerful diagnostic tool.Treatment options for HHV-6 pneumonitis should be considered, such as combined ganciclovir and foscarnet or, as in our case, oral valganciclovir can be a good alternative.