Detection of human herpesvirus‐6 DNA in peripheral blood and saliva

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Abstract
Saliva and peripheral blood samples from 20 healthy adults were examined for the presence of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) DNA sequences using the polymerase chain reaction. Eighteen out of 20 whole saliva samples contained detectable HHV‐6 genomes. The majority of peripheral blood samples were also positive; however, the results suggest that only a rare cell in the peripheral blood is infected. Serological studies did not reveal any correlation between HHV‐6 antibody titre and the ability to detect HHV‐6 DNA. The data indicate that HHV‐6 genomes persist in the peripheral blood and oropharynx or salivary glands of most healthy individuals following primary infection.