ME/CFS Research at the Quadram Institute, Norwich, UK

Stuart Brown an ME Action Scotland member has been through the feacal transplant routine and gained hugely .
He has a blog documenting his journey which may be of interest

https://stoospooblog.wordpress.com/...X_RrN3DowrTVZ1Vvuw_aem_uFbXcwhi6rfeS7UDh8i1lQ

 

I was diagnosed with IBS 30 years ago. At one stage in the subsequent few years I joined the IBS Network in the UK, the national charity. It was heavily influenced by their medical advisor (Nick Read???) who was big into all sorts of psychological theories for IBS

 

Quadram: 'Research exploring the role of viruses in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Introducing Dr Krishani Perera’s fellowship'

"Identifying microbes in mucus and blood of people with ME/CFS
I’m searching for links between microbes in our mucus and blood and ME/CFS.

At the Quadram Institute we are planning to run a study, funded by the charity Invest in ME Research, to learn more about the role that microbes play in ME/CFS.

The COMPASS ME Study will analyse the mucosal microbial communities, including viruses, bacteria and fungi, of individuals with and without ME/CFS. We will take mucosal swab samples as they are easily accessible and sites where microbial infections often begin.

Many individuals with ME/CFS face severe mobility issues. This means we must prioritise patient accessibility and comfort when collecting samples, ensuring that our studies are as inclusive and accommodating as possible

I also investigate the communities of viruses in the bloodstream of individuals with ME/CFS. I want to see if they play a role in immune dysregulation. Immune dysregulation describes a situation in which the immune system is not functioning properly.

As part of my research, I study microbial extracellular vesicles. We can think of microbial extracellular vesicles as tiny membrane bound ‘packages’ that may carry microbial components. These could serve as diagnostic and therapeutic marker targets for ME/CFS."

More on full blog post