understanding HLA haplotypes
Understanding haplotypes is a key part of healing from mold and CIRS.
1-5 (Low MSH)
This haplotype is 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
** 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. **
