Human herpesvirus 6 in salivary glands.

In an investigation of the role of saliva in the transmission of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) sections of salivary gland tissue were screened for HHV6-specific DNA by in-situ hybridisation and for HHV6-specific protein by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies against the virus. All of nine submandibular glands and one of four parotid glands showed the presence of HHV6 genome and expressed protein by these techniques. The findings are consistent with transmission of HHV6 by saliva and suggest that salivary gland tissue is a site of replication of the virus and a potential site for HHV6 persistence.