Replication errors and alterations induced by re-integration of the sequences back into the cellular genome can cause various types of genetic mutations. These can be expressed as the accumulation of abnormally functioning products. This could explain such abnormalities as altered coagulation proteins that have been identified in some stealth virus infected patients. If genetic damage occurs to a cell involved in fertilization, the defect will be passed onto subsequent generations. This explanation could apply, for example, to some cases of cystic fibrosis and fragile X disease.
Abnormal proteins can accumulate in cells and add to the cellular dysfunction.
Stealth virus infected cells are particularly prone to contain aberrant proteins. Some of these deposits have shown auto-fluorescence, similar to that seen with lipofushin. This could explain the growing incidence of age-related macular degeneration. There are data to support a role of cytomegaloviruses in multiple non-neurological diseases. It follows, therefore, than a stealth-adapted cytomegalovirus could be involved in similar diseases.