Enterovirus Associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A common pathogen that can cause acute respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, known as enterovirus, may be linked to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Researchers obtained stomach biopsies from 165 chronic fatigue syndrome patients. According to the study results published online September 13, 2007 in the Journal of Clinical Pathology, 82 percent of the samples contained enterovirus protein. Gastrointestinal complaints are considered common among chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

The study also found evidence that enterovirus infection was chronic in a subset of chronic fatigue syndrome patients. There was also microscopic evidence of chronic inflammation in 157 of the 165 samples. Previous studies have linked persistent enterovirus infections with chronic myocarditis, type 1 diabetes, and neuromuscular conditions. Enteroviral persistence remains controversial though, according to researchers.

Related Resources:

• What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
• What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
• How is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed?

~ By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com Guides to Arthritis / Osteoarthritis

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