Human herpesvirus 6 infections after liver transplantation

Table 2 Tests for the laboratory diagnosis of HHV-6 infection

Test	Detects active infection	Distinguish HHV-6 variants A and B	Commercially available
Serology (IFA and ELISA)	No	No	Yes
Real time PCR
Qualitative	No	Yes	Yes1
Quantitative	Yes	Yes	Yes1
Culture	Yes	Yes	Yes2
Real time reverse transcriptase PCR	Yes	Yes	No3
Antigen testing	Yes	Yes	No
Antibody avidity testing	Yes	No	No
Immunohistochemical technique	Yes	Yes	No
PCR in situ	Yes	Yes	No

IFA: Immunofluorescence assay; ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; PCR: Polymerase chain reaction;

¹Available at reference and commercial laboratories;

²Requires viral stimulation by chemicals;

³Very specialized research laboratories.