Hi BMW MD, I'm back with more questions. I have some additional test results following our correspondence last week. I have included the entire list new & old for your review: ESR=3 (0-15), C-reactive protein, cardiac=0.52 (0-3), HIV=Neg, Lyme Ab Quant IgM=8.0 (0-0.8), EBV VCA IgM=1.2 (0-0.8), Free T4=0.91 (0.61-1.12), TSH=2.49 (0.35-5.50), Cortisol=22.7 (4.3-22.4), CMV=NEG, Blood sugar=85, Creatine=normal, WC and Hemoglobin are fine. Liver: AST/SGOT=19U/L (17-45), ALT/SGPT=22 U/L (21-72), Alk. Phos.=73 U/L (36-126), Bilirubin, Total=0.4 mg/dl (0.2-1.3), Bilirubin, Direct=0.0 mg/dl (0.0-0.3), Albumin=4.1 g/dl (3.5-5.0), Protein, Total=6.6 g/dl (6.4-8.3), Hepatitis: HbsAg Screen=Neg, Hep Be Ag=Neg, Hep B Core Ab IgM=Neg, Hep B Core Ab Total=Neg, Hep Be Ag=Neg, Hep B Surface Ab=1.31 (0.00-0.99) HIGH, HCV Ab=0.1 s/co (0.0-0.9), HHV-6: HHV-6, IgG Ab, Quant=1:640 HIGH (Neg=1:160). As you may recall, I'm a 41 year old male with severe fatigue and moderate dizziness. I have been told that I may have EBV, but what does the elevated HHV-6 value mean? I'm scared!
Hello. Well, first the cortisol. This is an acute phase reactant that may be elevated (although yours is just over the high limit), as a general marker of disease. HHV-6 is associated with several diseases, and up to 100% of the population are exposed (seropositive) to HHV-6, most by 3 years of age, there are rare cases of primary infections in adults. In the United States, these have been linked more with HHV-6A, which is thought to be more pathogenic and more neurotropic and has been linked to several central nervous system-related disorders. HHV-6 has also been found in multiple sclerosis patients (not likely for your case) and has been implicated as a co-factor in several other diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, AIDS, (again not likely) and temporal lobe epilepsy (also not likely) but no definitive link has been established. However, I feel this points to CFS for you. I hope this has been helpful, and that maybe you are feeling a little bit better (I hope so!)?? Have a good night, BMW MD
I am literally shaking in fear. I don't know if you remember our correspondence last week (eg. Dr. of BMW's, etc.)? I have been feeling worse and my PCP doesn't know what is wrong. Is it normal to be positive for acute EBV and have high HHV-6 IgG titers? I have been in bed for the last several days, and when I got the new results showing high HHV-6, I began to cry (which is not like me). I have a 14 month old little boy, and I don't have the energy to be with him. I feel like I'm dying. Why/how could I have an active EBV infection with high HHV-6? Could this be a sign of malignancy? Should I see a specialist, and if so what kind? My PCP is an internist and he doesn't know what to do.
Hello. Yes, this is normal. I do NOT fear this is related to malignancy; however, I do feel this is CFS, and you should likely see an infectious disease specialist. These are internal medicine MDs with an additional 3 years of infectious disease training. I really am sorry that you are feeling so bad, and wish you best wishes. Take care, BMW MD
So HHV-6 can be elevated with an active or recent EBV infection? Does this mean there are two infections? Does this make it worse or more difficult to overcome? Does this mean there is something wrong with my immune system? Sorry for so many questions...I am tired and scared!
Hello. Please DO NOT be scared! HHV-6 is found in nearly 100% of persons in the United States. I feel this is elevated in response to the EBV infection. I do not feel anything is wrong with your immune system other than the EBV infection at this time. Please calm down, as your child needs you. I see you have been in contact with an ID doc on this site. They should be able to help you with the EBV. Best wishes. BMW MD
Thank you SOOOOOOO much for all of your support. As a patient it is easy to feel overwhelmed and alone, because this stuff seems so scary! Again, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!
Good luck, and take care! BMW MD