A 15-month-old child presents with a fever of 39.5°C for 4 days without an obvious focus of infection. On day 5, the fever breaks precipitously, and simultaneously a discrete, rose-pink maculopapular rash appears on the trunk and neck, sparing the face. What is the causative viral pathogen?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Human Herpesvirus 6 (Roseola infantum)
- Step 1: Recognize characteristic rash pattern: High fever in an infant that resolves abruptly followed by the appearance of a trunk-predominant maculopapular rash is classic for Roseola infantum (Exanthem subitum).
- Step 2: Roseola is caused by infection with Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) or Human Herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7).
Answer
Human Herpesvirus 6 (Roseola infantum).
Why not the others: 'Coxsackievirus A16' causes Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease with vesicular oral ulcers and acral lesions; 'Parvovirus B19' causes erythema infectiosum with 'slapped cheek' and lacy reticular body rash; 'EBV' causes infectious mononucleosis.
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