Influenza-Associated Encephalopathy: No Evidence for Neuroinvasion by Influenza Virus Nor for Reactivation of Human Herpesvirus 6 or 7

During 2 consecutive influenza seasons we investigated the presence of influenza virus, human herpesvirus (HHV) type 6, and HHV-7 in cerebrospinal fluid samples from 9 white children suffering from influenza-associated encephalopathy. We conclude that it is unlikely that neuroinvasion by influenza virus or reactivation of either HHV-6 or HHV-7 is involved.