Abstract
Human herpesviruses (HHVs): herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8, are known to be part of a family of DNA viruses that cause several diseases in humans. In clinical practice of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the complication of CMV enterocolitis, which is caused by CMV reactivation under disruption of intestinal barrier function, inflammation, or strong immunosuppressive therapy, is well known to affect the prognosis of disease. However, the relationship between other HHVs and IBD remains unclear. In the transplantation field, reactivation of other viruses, such as HHV-6, could cause colitis under immunosuppressed condition. Recent research revealed that combined infection of some HHVs could be a risk factor for colectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis. This suggests that it would be important to clarify HHV behavior in the treatment for patients with IBD, especially in those under immunosuppressive therapies. Looking at the relationship with recently emerged novel coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2), there are reports describe that SARS-CoV-2 might induce reactivation of HSV-1, EBV, VZV (herpes zoster), and HHV-6/7. If SARS-CoV-2 infection becomes common, vigilance against HHV reactivation may become more crucial. In this review, we discuss the impact of HHVs in clinical practice of inflammatory bowel diseases, especially during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Highlights
In terms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we previously reported that combined infection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or Human herpesviruses (HHVs)-6 with CMV could be associated with pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and poor clinical outcome [8]
This review focuses on HHVs in IBD
The worldwide pandemic and lockdown caused by COVID-19 has changed our lifestyle, resulting in changes in disease activity, clinical practice, and treatment for IBD
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Looking at the relationship with new coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2), there are reports suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 may induce reactivation of HSV-1, EBV, and HHV-6/7, and a case of herpes zoster (VZV reactivation) in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) [12,13]. We describe the impact of HHVs in patients with IBD, mainly in clinical practice. In the clinical practice for IBD, systemic steroids and antimetabolites could cause increased risk of HSV reactivation [20,21]. HSV colitis is known to be rare disease, several IBD patients who were treated with corticosteroids were reported [21]. A recent report has described cases of HSV hepatitis which developed in a patient with CD after treatment with anti-TNF-α therapy [22,23]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
