A 2-year-old child presents with a 3-day history of fever, followed by sudden defervescence and appearance of a rose-pink maculopapular rash over the trunk. The rash fades within 48 hours. Which is the causative virus?
- A Parvovirus B19
- B Coxsackievirus A16
- C Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) ✓
- D Measles virus (Paramyxovirus)
Correct answer: C. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)
Explanation
Roseola infantum (exanthem subitum/sixth disease) is caused by Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and less commonly HHV-7. It classically presents with 3–5 days of high fever, followed by sudden defervescence and appearance of a blanching rose-pink macular/maculopapular rash on the trunk that spreads centrifugally and fades within 1–3 days. Parvovirus B19 causes fifth disease (slapped cheek + lacy reticular rash). Coxsackievirus A16 causes hand-foot-mouth disease. Measles causes a morbilliform rash starting on the face after Koplik's spots.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.