[Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6): current status].

Molecular, biological, and immunological studies on the recently identified human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) suggest that the virus is involved in the etiology of at least several lymphoproliferative diseases. Furthermore, HHV-6 may be an important cofactor in the pathogenesis of several other diseases, including cervical carcinoma, oral carcinoma, multiple sclerosis, and HIV infection. Analyzing the data available in the literature shows it necessary to conduct systematic investigations and to emphasize the importance of the problem for national public health.