The HHV6 study, which is looking at the association between symptom exacerbation and HHV6 in people with ME/CFS, is fully underway. To date over 200 people living with ME/CFS and healthy controls have sent monthly saliva samples and completed weekly online questionnaires.
- Brunel University: Reactivation of herpesviruses in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
The Cure ME team explains:
Our study is investigating whether Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) may contribute to immune dysfunction in Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long Covid, two conditions that share post-viral features like debilitating fatigue and cognitive impairment.
Because HHV-6 is a common virus that can remain dormant and potentially reactivate when the immune system is disrupted, we are comparing patients to healthy controls to determine whether viral activity or immune responses differ in a meaningful way.
We have recruited 90% of participants and are now focused on enrolling additional healthy controls and Long Covid patients to complete the study and ensure strong comparative data.
How to get involved
If you are interesting in taking part as an ‘healthy control' volunteer, please get in touch via email: mecfsbiobank@lshtm.ac.uk
The team would also like to discuss this study with people with Long Covid, who may also wish to take part.
Please note: People wishing to take part must be located in or around London.
Further Information
ME Association: The UK ME/CFS Biobank: People with severe form of illness needed for HHV-6 study! | February 29, 2024
Brunel University: Reactivation of herpesviruses in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
ME Association: End-of-year updates from Cure ME | December 11, 2024