Patients who are made ill by a moldy environment are many times more susceptible to all biotoxin-induced illnesses due to their genetic makeup. Some of these genes have been identified and tested for; however, through the years, I have had many patients who succumbed to the impacts of mycotoxins who did not fit those genetic criteria. This is where answering the “why” of who gets particularly ill gets more complicated, and the necessity of taking a very thorough patient history is even more important. As I treat mold-harmed patients over the years, their histories reveal trends and correlations in sickness onset, severity, and progression, all of which help me to become a better doctor and a better healer.
Problematic Viruses
A significant influencing factor in how sick a patient gets when exposed to mold and mycotoxins is their viral history. Viruses, especially those that hang around in the body in some form after the initial illness has passed, can have a very deep and lasting impact on the immune system. The virus that most often comes to mind that exhibits this active/dormant cycle is the Epstein Barr virus (EBV); the virus responsible for causing acute mononucleosis. The vast majority of people who contract “mono” are teenagers and are thought to be susceptible due to depleted immune strength from less nutritious diets, the stress of high school, and all that brings, and less sleep. There are other viruses with cyclic behavior as well, such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and the herpes virus (HHV-6), the common collective name for human betaherpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) and human betaherpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B), two of the nine known human herpes viruses. And while all of these viruses can make up part of the total body load, I have found EBV to be one of the most common and problematic, especially for mold patients.
Epstein Barr Virus
Back in the early 1980s, a phenomenon arose and was known as the “yuppie flu”. This ailment characterized by extreme lethargy was described clinically as chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS. When large numbers of CFS patients were tested, blood antibody levels of Epstein Barr virus were significantly elevated in many, and thus the EBV virus was thought to be causal. At the time, the process of identifying contributing environmental issues including mold and mycotoxins was rarely mentioned and certainly had not been studied extensively to see how much impact one had on the other. Knowing what I know now about viral reactivation, though, it would seem to make sense to question what role the CFS patient’s environment, could have in bringing back the acute symptoms of a virus, like mono, that a patient thought they had successfully recovered from as a teenager. In other words, asking what is now in the patient’s life that caused the dormant virus to come out of hiding, was just not part of the diagnostic process yet.
What was not being taken into account was the fact that the Epstein Barr virus never completely goes away. In most people, it exists in a hidden, inactive form, but in others, and their indoor environment may have a large part to play in this, it reactivates and/or becomes chronically active with waxing and waning symptoms of viral load. This may explain why some people become so horribly fatigued with mold and mycotoxin exposure if they have a history of Epstein Barr viral infection. Just in my limited practice, the patients whom I have tested who are often some of the most ill show this virus in their blood in a chronic active or reactivated form.
In recent times, during this pandemic, in particular, some studies have demonstrated that reactivation of Epstein Barr after or during COVID infection is present in patients with “long-haul COVID”. The reactivation could be what is causing their inability to shake the malaise and fatigue brought on by the COVID infection. These studies thus support the theory of the compound nature of issues amongst viruses–even though the primary virus has passed, the reactivation and afterburn of sleeping viruses, like EBV may leave the patient sick and suffering for a much longer time. If you also throw environment and mold-related illness into the mix, then we really have our work cut out for us as physicians and patients.
What Can Be Done?
We must start at ground zero, if you will, with the practice of clean air, clean water, and clean food. Without these components of healthy life in place, the immune system simply cannot recover well or withstand as much. After these 3 things are in place, then treatment becomes part of the individual approach, depending on the history and testing to help guide the way.
The pattern of inflammatory stimulation can occur across the board with COVID, EBV, and mold-triggered illness. Quelling this stimulation with curcumin and CDP choline has been found to be helpful. There are also certain homeopathic preparations that are safe and effective for many, such as Sinus Defense. While Sinus Defense was initially prepared with only the mold patient in mind, even then it was formulated to address hidden viral infections as well as most mold-injured patients carried other infections that added to and prolonged their illness.
It may well be that as long COVID is studied more in the traditional medical research that there will be other pharmaceutical products introduced as antivirals and anti-inflammatories As an aside, I will say that current antiviral medications such as Acyclovir and related drugs have not been very effective in treating Epstein Barr or COVID. It is too soon to see if there is any impact on Epstein Barr presentation with the newer antivirals that have been introduced for acute COVID, and I cannot comment on the safety or efficacy of using any of these for longer periods of time in treating the more chronic infections or if this has even been done at all.
What I do know and can comment on is the fact that some of the common, effective treatments between mold/mycotoxin recovery and that of viral illnesses include very good liver support with products such as glutathione and NAC, as well as certain herbal compounds that help the liver detoxify and process out both viruses and mycotoxins; MycoDetox Liver Support is one of these.
In conclusion, if you are suffering from what you feel to be a combination of viral and mold-related illness, your best option is to find a physician who will take into account all of the parts of the process, and help gain traction by supporting all of the body functions: digestive, hormonal, immune health, and detoxification. I feel a total body approach is your best road to health in general and especially if you have a complicated medical picture. I hope that understanding your own individual “total body load” may also help explain how you became ill and how best to approach restoring your health!
Susan Tanner has practiced medicine for over 33 years, concentrating primarily on chronic illness and the impacts on the individual, the family and the community. Her driving curiosity into why people are made ill caused her to pursue education in Environmental Medicine, completing coursework, exams, and necessary practice years to earn board certification in this area in 2009. Her own struggles with mold-related illness drove her desire to teach those similarly affected. While in clinical practice, Dr. Tanner wrote and contributed to a number of publications on environmental health, prepared narratives for understanding in legal matters, and researched new techniques for modulating the body’s ability to clear toxins and infections. She now has a fitness and health website www.thebodynexus.com, where she writes articles and shares education on utilizing the various body systems into improve overall health.
I had mono at age 12 & I’m thinking that it has reactivated. I have been struggling with symptoms for over two years. Exhaustion, sore throat, ear pain, sinus issues, head & neck pain, swollen lymph nodes & now my paratoid glands are the size of golf balls. On top of all of this, I was recently diagnosed with diverticulitis at the ER. Can EBV cause diverticulitis or could it be ulcers mimicking diverticulitis? Any info or insight is appreciated! Thank you!
Susan Tanner
September 23, 2024 at 6:18 pm - Reply
What I often see is Epstein Barr reactivated when challenged by mold/ mycotoxins, other viruses (particularly Covid) and extreme stress. Following your viral titers may be of help as well as certainly making sure you are not in a contaminated airspace. There are a few steps to take if Epstein Barr does this, including lysine and even prescription antivirals. Micro Balance Simus Defense spray can also help you.
I have been suffering with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia for over 20 years. I spend most of my time in bed. I take medication for depression and Ridellan for fatigue but it’s not what it used to be.Gail Cohen
July 13, 2022 at 12:04 am - Reply
I have been suffering with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia for over 20 years. I spend most of my time in bed. I take medication for depression and Ridellan for fatigue but it’s not what it used to be.
I am sorry to hear you are suffering. Have you tested your environment for mold? Often chronic fatigue, pain, and depression are caused by environmental mold. If you can find the root cause of the issues, you will likely have greater long-term success than can be provided with the medications to treat the symptoms.
Hello Dr. Tanner,
Can you offer guidance on EPSTEIN BARR VIRUS (EBV) testing:
1. What specific EBV test (s) is conclusive for diagnosing ACUTE MONONUCLEOSIS?
2. What specific EBV test (s) is conclusive for diagnosing a CHRONIC ACTIVE or REACTIVATED case of EBV?
In her comments above, Mary shares she was tested several times for Mononucleosis and was told each time the results were negative. It seems an ill patient being tested for EBV really needs to be tested for both active Mononucleosis and for chronic active (reactivated) EBV?
Thank you. [Best wishes to Mary for a full recovery]
If a test for acute Mononucleosis is negative 9 usually this is a “mono spot”, then checking for Epstein Barr virus is helpful. It MUST be the full antibody panel, with IgG, IgM, EBnuclear antibody, and EB early antigen. The patterns of positivity ( or negatives) help determine if there is acute mono, old infection or reactivated or chronic infection.
If all are negative then it is safe to say that it is not mono or Epstein Barr and other viruses may need to be tested for such as Cytomegalovirus ( CMV) or HHV6.
I hope this helps!
Even though what you describe isn’t exactly what’s going on with my 20 yo son, it gives me pause, and makes me think that maybe I’m not crazy to think having Covid was the start of his most recent issues. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 14, severe ulcerative colitis at 16, and is infused with Remicade every six weeks, so is immunocompromised. He had all three Covid shots before he had Covid in January, and had a mild case. However, ever since then, he has struggled with severe tonsillitis and fever off and on many times. He’s been checked for many types of EBV, and strep, of course. He discovered by reading that it could be herpes simplex virus showing up this way in someone who is immunocompromised. I think that Covid played a part as well, as far as virus load. What are your suggestions?
I’m sorry he has gone through so much. The GI issues and subsequent Remicade certainly could make him susceptible to long-lasting or recurrent viruses. There is no simple treatment plan but anything helping overall gut immunity could be a plus. I realize things are complicated but hope you can find help with a good integrative physician who can look at this deeply and from all angles.
I think this would totally depend on your individual total body load and the amount of smoke. It is really hard to say. An air filter in your apartment may be a good idea!
March of 2021 I got very ill all the symptoms of covid but I my liver enzymes were very high my blood counts dropped Mt fariten was sky high in the 6000 and had so much inflammation in my body they thought I had leukemia but blood test and bone Marek biopsy said I didn’t. A total of 25 days in hospital ,checked me for everything I had nothing. Checked me for mono 3 times all neg . Checked me for covid 6 times all neg.Doctors said I was a mystery. So they ruled it out as eptien barr due to mono . Even though I was tested 3 times for mono and was negative. I know I had long haulers due to covid ,but since I tested negative 6 times Doctor said no. After fever broke I started to get better but still had no taste for 2 weeks. It took a toll on my body that’s for sure.
This was certainly a complex illness. I would strongly suggest you find an environmental or integrative physician to work with you. A detailed history may help the detective work needed to find what caused this. It could have been a single issue or a combination, but with time and certain directed testing, answers may be found. I am glad that you are recovering nevertheless!
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I had mono at age 12 & I’m thinking that it has reactivated. I have been struggling with symptoms for over two years. Exhaustion, sore throat, ear pain, sinus issues, head & neck pain, swollen lymph nodes & now my paratoid glands are the size of golf balls. On top of all of this, I was recently diagnosed with diverticulitis at the ER. Can EBV cause diverticulitis or could it be ulcers mimicking diverticulitis? Any info or insight is appreciated! Thank you!
What I often see is Epstein Barr reactivated when challenged by mold/ mycotoxins, other viruses (particularly Covid) and extreme stress. Following your viral titers may be of help as well as certainly making sure you are not in a contaminated airspace. There are a few steps to take if Epstein Barr does this, including lysine and even prescription antivirals. Micro Balance Simus Defense spray can also help you.
I have been suffering with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia for over 20 years. I spend most of my time in bed. I take medication for depression and Ridellan for fatigue but it’s not what it used to be.
I am sorry to hear you are suffering. Have you tested your environment for mold? Often chronic fatigue, pain, and depression are caused by environmental mold. If you can find the root cause of the issues, you will likely have greater long-term success than can be provided with the medications to treat the symptoms.
Hello Dr. Tanner,
Can you offer guidance on EPSTEIN BARR VIRUS (EBV) testing:
1. What specific EBV test (s) is conclusive for diagnosing ACUTE MONONUCLEOSIS?
2. What specific EBV test (s) is conclusive for diagnosing a CHRONIC ACTIVE or REACTIVATED case of EBV?
In her comments above, Mary shares she was tested several times for Mononucleosis and was told each time the results were negative. It seems an ill patient being tested for EBV really needs to be tested for both active Mononucleosis and for chronic active (reactivated) EBV?
Thank you. [Best wishes to Mary for a full recovery]
If a test for acute Mononucleosis is negative 9 usually this is a “mono spot”, then checking for Epstein Barr virus is helpful. It MUST be the full antibody panel, with IgG, IgM, EBnuclear antibody, and EB early antigen. The patterns of positivity ( or negatives) help determine if there is acute mono, old infection or reactivated or chronic infection.
If all are negative then it is safe to say that it is not mono or Epstein Barr and other viruses may need to be tested for such as Cytomegalovirus ( CMV) or HHV6.
I hope this helps!
Even though what you describe isn’t exactly what’s going on with my 20 yo son, it gives me pause, and makes me think that maybe I’m not crazy to think having Covid was the start of his most recent issues. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 14, severe ulcerative colitis at 16, and is infused with Remicade every six weeks, so is immunocompromised. He had all three Covid shots before he had Covid in January, and had a mild case. However, ever since then, he has struggled with severe tonsillitis and fever off and on many times. He’s been checked for many types of EBV, and strep, of course. He discovered by reading that it could be herpes simplex virus showing up this way in someone who is immunocompromised. I think that Covid played a part as well, as far as virus load. What are your suggestions?
I’m sorry he has gone through so much. The GI issues and subsequent Remicade certainly could make him susceptible to long-lasting or recurrent viruses. There is no simple treatment plan but anything helping overall gut immunity could be a plus. I realize things are complicated but hope you can find help with a good integrative physician who can look at this deeply and from all angles.
How about second hand smoke inside your apartment from your neighbors
I think this would totally depend on your individual total body load and the amount of smoke. It is really hard to say. An air filter in your apartment may be a good idea!
March of 2021 I got very ill all the symptoms of covid but I my liver enzymes were very high my blood counts dropped Mt fariten was sky high in the 6000 and had so much inflammation in my body they thought I had leukemia but blood test and bone Marek biopsy said I didn’t. A total of 25 days in hospital ,checked me for everything I had nothing. Checked me for mono 3 times all neg . Checked me for covid 6 times all neg.Doctors said I was a mystery. So they ruled it out as eptien barr due to mono . Even though I was tested 3 times for mono and was negative. I know I had long haulers due to covid ,but since I tested negative 6 times Doctor said no. After fever broke I started to get better but still had no taste for 2 weeks. It took a toll on my body that’s for sure.
This was certainly a complex illness. I would strongly suggest you find an environmental or integrative physician to work with you. A detailed history may help the detective work needed to find what caused this. It could have been a single issue or a combination, but with time and certain directed testing, answers may be found. I am glad that you are recovering nevertheless!