HHV-6 is Passed to Children Through DNA

Adrienne Dellwo, Fibromyalgia & CFS Blog

ABSTRACT

NEWSBRIEF: A virus suspected of triggering some cases of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) can be passed genetically from parent to child, according to an article published in the journal Pediatrics.

Experts used to believe that mothers passed human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) to their babies through blood exchanged during childbirth. HHV-6 causes roseola in infected children. New evidence shows the virus can come from either parent in the genetic material.

Nearly everyone is infected with HHV-6 at some point in their lives, but researchers are now investigating what it means to have a virus integrated into your genetic matter -- whether it can activate and cause problems, or cause an immune response just by being there.

Guide note: Could this be causing a genetic predisposition to chronic fatigue syndrome or autoimmune diseases? If so, genetic testing may someday be able to diagnose the condition and reveal who is at risk for it.