Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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Which virus is responsible for causing roseola infantum?

HHV-4
HHV-6
HHV-5
CMV

The correct answer is: HHV-6

Roseola infantum, also known as sixth disease, is primarily caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). This virus is known for its association with a sudden high fever in young children, usually between the ages of 6 months to 2 years, followed by a characteristic rash that appears as the fever breaks. HHV-6 has two variants, A and B, with HHV-6B being the most common cause of roseola. The fever can last for several days, and the rash typically appears as the child recovers from the fever. This specific association with roseola distinguishes HHV-6 from other herpesviruses. In contrast, the other viruses listed do not cause roseola infantum. For example, HHV-4, better known as Epstein-Barr virus, is primarily associated with infectious mononucleosis. HHV-5 refers to cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can cause a range of conditions, especially in immunocompromised individuals, but is not linked to roseola. Therefore, it is the relationship of HHV-6 with roseola infantum that confirms it as the correct answer.