Cytomegalovirus: An Overlooked Herpesvirus in Post-Viral and Chronic Disease Research
Research into myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has frequently examined the possible involvement of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), particularly because some patients report the onset of prolonged illness following infectious mononucleosis or another acute viral illness. However, EBV is only one member of the human herpesvirus family. Another widespread herpesvirus deserving consideration in research into immune dysregulation and post-infectious disease is human cytomegalovirus (HCMV or CMV) , also known as human herpesvirus 5 (HHV-5) . CMV is extremely common. In most immunocompetent people, primary infection causes either no symptoms or a relatively mild mononucleosis-like illness. Once acquired, however, CMV is not eliminated from the body. Like other herpesviruses, it establishes lifelong latency and can reactivate under certain circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed scientific interest in herpesvirus reactivation during and after major infections. C...