Which virus causes Roseola infantum?

Which virus causes Roseola infantum?

• A. Varicella-zoster virus
• B. Coxsackievirus
• C. Human herpesvirus
• D. Herpes simplex virus

Answer: (C)

Roseola infantum is caused by a herpesvirus, most commonly human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), with HHV-7 also implicated in some cases. The classic pattern is a several-day period of high fever that suddenly ends, followed by the onset of a diffuse pink rash. Transmission is believed to occur through saliva, and it typically affects toddlers. Among the options, the one that fits Roseola is the virus in the herpesvirus family, since HHV-6 is the usual culprit. The other viruses listed cause different diseases: varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles, Coxsackievirus causes hand-foot-mouth disease, and herpes simplex virus causes mucocutaneous lesions like cold sores or genital herpes.

Roseola infantum is caused by a herpesvirus, most commonly human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), with HHV-7 also implicated in some cases. The classic pattern is a several-day period of high fever that suddenly ends, followed by the onset of a diffuse pink rash. Transmission is believed to occur through saliva, and it typically affects toddlers.

Among the options, the one that fits Roseola is the virus in the herpesvirus family, since HHV-6 is the usual culprit. The other viruses listed cause different diseases: varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles, Coxsackievirus causes hand-foot-mouth disease, and herpes simplex virus causes mucocutaneous lesions like cold sores or genital herpes.