Is a Retrovirus in Our DNA Responsible for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Multiple Sclerosis?
Tuesday June 24, 2008 New research points to an ancient retrovirus as a possible partial cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). This retrovirus is called HERV-K18, and it’s part of the human genetic makeup. Researchers say it activates when you have a “smoldering infection” of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and HHV-6 (which both have long been believed to have an important connection to ME/CFS.) The study uncovered that people whose ME/CFS or MS was triggered by infection mononucleosis (EBV) were at higher risk for HERV-K18 activation. That activation starts a chain reaction that leads to a strong T-cell response that’s believed to deplete your immune system over time. Researchers say HHV-6 can activate HERV-K18 as well, as can immune activation. It’s not surprising that science is discovering links between ME/CFS and MS. More than 75% of MS patients meet the criteria for ME/CFS. Fatigue is often the most disabling symptom of ME. The conditions sha
