understanding HLA haplotypes
Understanding haplotypes is a key part of healing from mold and CIRS.
1-5 (Low MSH)
This haplotype is statistically correlated with lower levels of MSH — Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone — a critical regulatory hormone produced in the hypothalamus.
MSH plays a powerful role in maintaining balance across multiple systems in the body. It helps regulate inflammation, supports hormone production, protects the gut lining, aids sleep, modulates pain perception, and influences immune system function. When MSH is low, these systems can become dysregulated — contributing to the wide array of symptoms seen in CIRS.
Although the 1-5 haplotype isn't directly linked to increased susceptibility to mold, Lyme, or other biotoxins, low MSH alone can still lead to significant vulnerability. According to Dr. Shoemaker, once MSH drops below 10, any person — regardless of haplotype — can become functionally multisusceptible, meaning their immune system may overreact to biotoxin exposures. Even MSH levels below 35 can predispose someone to persistent colonization with MARCoNS.
What is MARCoNS?
MARCoNS stands for Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staph. It is a biofilm-forming, antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection typically residing deep in the sinuses. MARCoNS is commonly found in patients with CIRS and can suppress MSH production even further, making it harder for the body to heal. If left untreated, MARCoNS can keep you stuck — slowing your progress no matter how well you're following a protocol.
How to test:
MSH plays a powerful role in maintaining balance across multiple systems in the body. It helps regulate inflammation, supports hormone production, protects the gut lining, aids sleep, modulates pain perception, and influences immune system function. When MSH is low, these systems can become dysregulated — contributing to the wide array of symptoms seen in CIRS.
Although the 1-5 haplotype isn't directly linked to increased susceptibility to mold, Lyme, or other biotoxins, low MSH alone can still lead to significant vulnerability. According to Dr. Shoemaker, once MSH drops below 10, any person — regardless of haplotype — can become functionally multisusceptible, meaning their immune system may overreact to biotoxin exposures. Even MSH levels below 35 can predispose someone to persistent colonization with MARCoNS.
What is MARCoNS?
MARCoNS stands for Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staph. It is a biofilm-forming, antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection typically residing deep in the sinuses. MARCoNS is commonly found in patients with CIRS and can suppress MSH production even further, making it harder for the body to heal. If left untreated, MARCoNS can keep you stuck — slowing your progress no matter how well you're following a protocol.
How to test:
- MSH levels: Ordered through LabCorp
- MARCoNS nasal culture: Available through MicrobiologyDX
4-3-53 (Multisusceptible / Chronic Fatigue)
The 4-3-53 haplotype is one of the better-studied gene patterns linked to increased sensitivity to multiple biotoxins. Individuals with this haplotype may have a harder time clearing certain toxins from the body because their immune system may not recognize them properly. This haplotype has also been linked in some research to a higher likelihood of developing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
This haplotype has been connected to increased reactivity to a variety of biotoxin sources, including:
This haplotype has been connected to increased reactivity to a variety of biotoxin sources, including:
- Mold
- Lyme disease
- Ciguatera (toxin from certain fish)
- Pfiesteria (toxic algae)
- Dinoflagellates (marine plankton)
- Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
- Northern recluse spider venom
- Rattlesnake venom
Because of its broad reactivity, this gene type is sometimes referred to as one of the “dreaded” haplotypes — but let me be clear, people with this haplotype still respond well to treatment when given the right support and protocols.
4-7-53 (Multisusceptible)
The 4-7-53 haplotype is another pattern commonly associated with multisusceptibility to biotoxins — meaning the immune system may struggle to recognize and clear certain toxins effectively.
Individuals with this genetic type may be more reactive to several biotoxin sources, such as:
Individuals with this genetic type may be more reactive to several biotoxin sources, such as:
- Mold
- Lyme disease
- Ciguatera (toxin from certain fish)
- Pfiesteria (toxic algae)
- Dinoflagellates (marine plankton)
- Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
- Northern recluse spider venom
- Rattlesnake venom
It’s not unusual for people with this haplotype to feel like they’re “sensitive to everything.” In fact, this gene pattern is sometimes referred to as one of the “dreaded” haplotypes — but I want to be clear: this nickname doesn’t reflect your true healing potential.
Having a multisusceptible haplotype doesn’t mean you can’t get better. It just means we need a more customized, informed approach that honors your body’s unique immune response.
Having a multisusceptible haplotype doesn’t mean you can’t get better. It just means we need a more customized, informed approach that honors your body’s unique immune response.
4-8-53 (Multisusceptible)
The 4-8-53 haplotype is part of the multisusceptible group — a pattern that may make it harder for the immune system to recognize and eliminate certain types of biotoxins. This means that individuals with this haplotype may have an increased sensitivity to a range of environmental and microbial exposures.
Biotoxins commonly linked to this haplotype include:
Biotoxins commonly linked to this haplotype include:
- Mold
- Lyme disease
- Ciguatera (toxin from certain fish)
- Pfiesteria (toxic algae)
- Dinoflagellates (marine plankton)
- Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
- Northern recluse spider venom
- Rattlesnake venom
This gene pattern, like other multisusceptible types, has been casually referred to as a "dreaded" haplotype, but I want to be clear — that nickname is outdated and unhelpful. You are not doomed by your genetics. Recovery is absolutely possible with the right approach.
Healing is available — even with a multisusceptible haplotype. We just need to support your immune system in a way that works for your unique biology.
Healing is available — even with a multisusceptible haplotype. We just need to support your immune system in a way that works for your unique biology.
7-2-53 (Mold Susceptible)
If you carry the 7-2-53 haplotype, your body may have a more difficult time recognizing and clearing mold-related toxins. This means your immune system may respond differently if exposure occurs.
What this means:
This haplotype has been associated with increased susceptibility to biotoxins produced by mold, especially when mold is present in indoor environments (like water-damaged buildings). Your body may not be as efficient at identifying or eliminating these toxins, which can trigger or prolong symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
Important clarification:
Having this haplotype doesn’t mean mold or mycotoxins are currently in your body — it only points to how your immune system might react if exposure happens.
Disease Risk:
What this means:
This haplotype has been associated with increased susceptibility to biotoxins produced by mold, especially when mold is present in indoor environments (like water-damaged buildings). Your body may not be as efficient at identifying or eliminating these toxins, which can trigger or prolong symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
Important clarification:
Having this haplotype doesn’t mean mold or mycotoxins are currently in your body — it only points to how your immune system might react if exposure happens.
Disease Risk:
- People with this haplotype may have an increased risk of developing Celiac Disease.
7-3-53 (Mold Susceptible)
A 7-3-53 haplotype may have a harder time recognizing and eliminating mold-related toxins. While this doesn’t confirm mold exposure, it does suggest a possible genetic predisposition to struggle with clearing toxins when exposure happens.
What this means:
The 7-3-53 haplotype has been associated with increased biotoxin sensitivity specific to mold. That means your immune system may not respond as effectively when exposed to mold in places like water-damaged buildings or humid environments.
A quick note:
Carrying this haplotype doesn't mean you have mold illness or are currently being exposed — it simply points to how your body may process mold biotoxins differently than others.
What this means:
The 7-3-53 haplotype has been associated with increased biotoxin sensitivity specific to mold. That means your immune system may not respond as effectively when exposed to mold in places like water-damaged buildings or humid environments.
A quick note:
Carrying this haplotype doesn't mean you have mold illness or are currently being exposed — it simply points to how your body may process mold biotoxins differently than others.
11-3-52B Multi-susceptible, Chronic Fatigue Risk, Avoid Gardasil Consideration
An 11-3-52B haplotype is linked to increased sensitivity to multiple biotoxins. Individuals with this haplotype may have a harder time clearing certain toxins from the body because their immune system may not recognize them properly. This haplotype has also been linked in some research to a higher likelihood of developing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Linked biotoxins may include but not limited to:
Linked biotoxins may include but not limited to:
- Mold
- Lyme
- Ciguatera (toxin from reef fish)
- Pfisteria (algae-related toxin)
- Dinoflagellates (toxic plankton)
- Cyanobacteria (from blue-green algae)
- Venom from the northern recluse spider
- Venom from rattlesnakes
What this means:
This haplotype has been referred to as one of the “dreaded genes”. While progress can be slower, people with this genetic profile can respond just as well to treatment as those with other haplotypes.
Chronic Fatigue Risk:
There is also a reported link to increased susceptibility to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This does not mean you will develop CFS — it simply suggests a genetic predisposition that might make you more sensitive to prolonged fatigue following biotoxin exposure.
Gardasil Consideration:
It is suggested that individuals with this haplotype may want to avoid the Gardasil vaccine (used for HPV) due to anecdotal concerns. Please consult a trusted healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
This haplotype has been referred to as one of the “dreaded genes”. While progress can be slower, people with this genetic profile can respond just as well to treatment as those with other haplotypes.
Chronic Fatigue Risk:
There is also a reported link to increased susceptibility to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This does not mean you will develop CFS — it simply suggests a genetic predisposition that might make you more sensitive to prolonged fatigue following biotoxin exposure.
Gardasil Consideration:
It is suggested that individuals with this haplotype may want to avoid the Gardasil vaccine (used for HPV) due to anecdotal concerns. Please consult a trusted healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
11-7-52B MARCoNS Susceptibility
If you carry the 11-7-52B haplotype, your immune profile may show a higher tendency toward developing MARCoNS, short for Multiple Antibiotic-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci — a resistant staph infection that commonly lives in the deep nasal passages.
Important to Know:
This haplotype is not directly tied to increased susceptibility to mold, Lyme, or other biotoxins. However, its statistical connection to MARCoNS is important because this infection can stall or disrupt progress during biotoxin illness recovery.
Testing Options:
Important to Know:
This haplotype is not directly tied to increased susceptibility to mold, Lyme, or other biotoxins. However, its statistical connection to MARCoNS is important because this infection can stall or disrupt progress during biotoxin illness recovery.
Testing Options:
- MARCoNS can be tested through MicrobiologyDx
If you’re struggling with treatment plateaus, persistent sinus symptoms, or unexplained inflammation, it may be worth ruling out MARCoNS — especially with this haplotype.
12-3-52B Multisusceptible
The 12-3-52B haplotype is one of the multisusceptible types, meaning it has been statistically linked to an increased vulnerability to a wide range of biotoxins. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Mold
- Lyme disease
- Ciguatera (toxin from certain fish)
- Pfiesteria (toxic algae)
- Dinoflagellates (marine plankton)
- Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
- Northern recluse spider venom
- Rattlesnake venom
Immune Response Insight:
This genetic profile may reduce your body’s ability to recognize and clear out these toxins effectively. As a result, exposures that wouldn’t impact others may lead to chronic symptoms in those with this haplotype.
Worth Noting:
While this haplotype is sometimes referred to as one of the “dreaded” genes, many people with 12-3-52B respond well to treatment once their unique needs are addressed.
This genetic profile may reduce your body’s ability to recognize and clear out these toxins effectively. As a result, exposures that wouldn’t impact others may lead to chronic symptoms in those with this haplotype.
Worth Noting:
While this haplotype is sometimes referred to as one of the “dreaded” genes, many people with 12-3-52B respond well to treatment once their unique needs are addressed.
13-3-52A: Multisusceptible
The 13-3-52A haplotype has been statistically linked to increased susceptibility to a variety of biotoxins. These may include:
- Mold
- Lyme disease
- Ciguatera (toxin from certain fish)
- Pfiesteria (toxic algae)
- Dinoflagellates (marine plankton)
- Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
- Northern recluse spider venom
- Rattlesnake venom
What This Means for You:
This genetic profile may influence how effectively your immune system can identify and remove these toxins. People with multisusceptible haplotypes may find that their bodies hold on to biotoxins longer than others, increasing the likelihood of chronic symptoms following exposure.
Originally considered benign, this haplotype was later reclassified by Dr. Shoemaker as multisusceptible.
Good News:
Even though it’s often included among the so-called “dreaded” genes, many individuals with 13-3-52A improve significantly with the right protocols and environmental changes.
This genetic profile may influence how effectively your immune system can identify and remove these toxins. People with multisusceptible haplotypes may find that their bodies hold on to biotoxins longer than others, increasing the likelihood of chronic symptoms following exposure.
Originally considered benign, this haplotype was later reclassified by Dr. Shoemaker as multisusceptible.
Good News:
Even though it’s often included among the so-called “dreaded” genes, many individuals with 13-3-52A improve significantly with the right protocols and environmental changes.
13-6-52A/B/C Mold Susceptible
The 13-6-52A/B/C haplotype has been associated with a heightened genetic sensitivity to mold-related biotoxins.
What This Means for You:
Having this haplotype does not confirm that mold or mycotoxins are currently in your body—or that you’ve ever been exposed. What it can suggest is that your immune system may struggle to recognize and clear mold toxins effectively if exposure does occur. Therefore leaving biotoxins recirculating the system.
What This Means for You:
Having this haplotype does not confirm that mold or mycotoxins are currently in your body—or that you’ve ever been exposed. What it can suggest is that your immune system may struggle to recognize and clear mold toxins effectively if exposure does occur. Therefore leaving biotoxins recirculating the system.
13-6-52A/B/C Mold Susceptible
Individuals with this haplotype may have a harder time clearing certain toxins from the body because their immune system may not recognize them properly. 4-3-53 is genetically associated with increased sensitivity to a broad range of biotoxins, including:
- Mold
- Lyme disease
- Ciguatera (toxin from certain fish)
- Pfiesteria (toxic algae)
- Dinoflagellates (marine plankton)
- Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
- Northern recluse spider venom
- Rattlesnake venom
What This Means for You:
People with this haplotype may have a harder time identifying and clearing biotoxins due to the way their immune system responds to these threats.
This haplotype has sometimes been referred to as one of the "dreaded" genes—but that label is not to be discouraging. Many individuals with this genotype respond very well to treatment once a proper diagnosis and protocol are in place.
Why It Matters:
Knowing this about your genetics doesn’t predict illness—but it does offer important insight into your body’s detox and immune pathways. And with the right support, healing is entirely possible.
People with this haplotype may have a harder time identifying and clearing biotoxins due to the way their immune system responds to these threats.
This haplotype has sometimes been referred to as one of the "dreaded" genes—but that label is not to be discouraging. Many individuals with this genotype respond very well to treatment once a proper diagnosis and protocol are in place.
Why It Matters:
Knowing this about your genetics doesn’t predict illness—but it does offer important insight into your body’s detox and immune pathways. And with the right support, healing is entirely possible.
15-6-51 Post-Lyme, MS, Narcolepsy
The 15-6-51 haplotype has been statistically linked to an increased risk of persistent or chronic Lyme disease, particularly following a known exposure (like a tick bite). This susceptibility is thought to relate to how the immune system processes biotoxins produced by Borrelia bacteria.
Why It Matters:
Having this haplotype doesn’t mean you currently have Lyme disease—it simply indicates that if you are exposed, your body may be less equipped to fully eliminate the infection, increasing the risk of chronic symptoms. Traditional antibiotic treatment is typically not enough to clear these biotoxins therefore leading to chronic lyme.
Why It Matters:
Having this haplotype doesn’t mean you currently have Lyme disease—it simply indicates that if you are exposed, your body may be less equipped to fully eliminate the infection, increasing the risk of chronic symptoms. Traditional antibiotic treatment is typically not enough to clear these biotoxins therefore leading to chronic lyme.
16-5-51 Post-Lyme Syndrome Susceptibility
The 16-5-51 haplotype is statistically associated with a greater likelihood of developing persistent or chronic Lyme disease, particularly after exposure to a tick bite or another transmission of Borrelia bacteria.
What This Means:
Carrying this haplotype does not mean you currently have Lyme disease. Instead, it suggests your immune system may have a harder time clearing Lyme-related biotoxins, making you more susceptible to lingering symptoms after infection.
Why It’s Important
Understanding this haplotype can help explain why some individuals develop Post-Lyme Syndrome or chronic fatigue-like symptoms even after treatment. It's not about being broken—it’s about having unique immune system wiring that may require a different support strategy.
If you've experienced ongoing symptoms after a Lyme diagnosis—or suspect exposure—this genetic insight could be a key piece of your healing roadmap.
What This Means:
Carrying this haplotype does not mean you currently have Lyme disease. Instead, it suggests your immune system may have a harder time clearing Lyme-related biotoxins, making you more susceptible to lingering symptoms after infection.
Why It’s Important
Understanding this haplotype can help explain why some individuals develop Post-Lyme Syndrome or chronic fatigue-like symptoms even after treatment. It's not about being broken—it’s about having unique immune system wiring that may require a different support strategy.
If you've experienced ongoing symptoms after a Lyme diagnosis—or suspect exposure—this genetic insight could be a key piece of your healing roadmap.
17-2-52A/B Mold Susceptibility
The 17-2-52A/B haplotype is associated with a higher genetic susceptibility to mold-related biotoxins. This means your immune system may have a harder time recognizing and clearing certain toxins produced by mold exposure.
What This Doesn’t Mean:
Having this haplotype does not mean you currently have mold illness or that you’ve been exposed. It simply points to a potential vulnerability, which can be helpful to know if you're experiencing unexplained symptoms. This haplotype has difficulty clearing biotoxins therefore leading to biotoxin accumulation.
What This Doesn’t Mean:
Having this haplotype does not mean you currently have mold illness or that you’ve been exposed. It simply points to a potential vulnerability, which can be helpful to know if you're experiencing unexplained symptoms. This haplotype has difficulty clearing biotoxins therefore leading to biotoxin accumulation.
18-4-52A Mold Susceptibility
The 18-4-52A haplotype is linked to a genetic susceptibility to mold-related biotoxins. This means your immune system may not recognize or eliminate mold toxins as effectively as others, which could contribute to symptoms or chronic illness if mold exposure occurs.
What This Doesn’t Mean:
Having this haplotype does not mean you have mold illness, nor does it confirm current or past exposure. It’s simply a clue that your body may be less equipped to detox mold toxins without extra support.
What This Doesn’t Mean:
Having this haplotype does not mean you have mold illness, nor does it confirm current or past exposure. It’s simply a clue that your body may be less equipped to detox mold toxins without extra support.
** Your HLA genes are part of your immune system’s ability to recognize and respond to threats. But certain haplotypes are essentially “faulty”—they don’t help your body recognize or clear biotoxins the way most people’s do. This sets off the innate immune response, which triggers inflammation, but the adaptive immune system never kicks in to finish the job. The result? Toxins get trapped in the body, inflammation floods your system, and the immune response never shuts off. This is what can lead to CIRS—Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. *This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical care. **
