Signature microbiome disturbances in ME/CFS may point to biomarker and treatment trials
New research reveals differences in the gut microbiomes of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) compared to those of healthy controls. ME/CFS is a debilitating disease that affects approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. At least one-quarter of ME/CFS patients are house or bedbound at some point in their lives, and approximately half are unemployed. ME/CFS is characterized by disabling fatigue that is not relieved with rest, post-exertional malaise, insomnia, brain fog, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal issues. There are no diagnostic tests or FDA-approved treatments. ME/CFS is the archetypal chronic post-viral illness and is clinically similar to post-COVID-19 syndrome or Long COVID.
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Today, some of the fruits of our ME/CFS patients’ participation is published in two important papers in the journal of Cell Host & Microbe. Both papers reveal significant differences in the microbiome diversity, abundance, and functional biological pathways of research participants with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls. They validate similar findings from previous studies, identify potential biomarkers, and point toward a path for ME/CFS treatment trials.
BHC Medical Director, Lucinda Bateman, MD, says, “We partnered with JAX in 2017 to submit this NIH grant application with the specific goal of enrolling ME/CFS research subjects in the early stages of illness. This is one of the largest studies of ME/CFS, especially from a single clinical site and provides important evidence that lays the foundation for clinical trials. It was challenging to find patients early in illness, because accurate diagnosis often takes years, but recognition of post-viral syndromes, especially ME/CFS, is improving. Thank you to everyone who participated.”
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