Evidence browser

Epstein-Barr virus serology in the chronic fatigue syndrome.

Woodward, C G, Cox, R A·The Journal of infection·1992

Researchers tested blood samples from 136 ME/CFS patients to look for signs of past or ongoing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, comparing them to healthy blood donors. They found that CFS patients had higher levels of certain EBV antibodies than the control group, but these differences weren't consistent enough to be useful for diagnosing individual patients. The study also found that some patients had signs of other viral infections alongside the EBV markers.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

[Chronic fatigue syndrome--cases in the Kanebo Memorial Hospital].

Ogawa, R, Toyama, S, Matsumoto, H·Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine·1992

This study looked at 134 ME/CFS patients seen at one hospital in Japan and found that many had immune system abnormalities, including weakened natural killer cells and reactions to common substances like dust and pollen. Researchers also discovered some patients had low levels of certain fatty acids in their blood. When treated with a traditional Chinese herbal medicine called Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang, about 73% of patients were able to return to work or school.

BiomarkersImmune System

Human spumavirus antibodies in sera from African patients.

Mahnke, C, Kashaiya, P, Rössler, J et al.·Archives of virology·1992

Researchers tested blood samples from over 3,000 people in Africa and Europe to look for antibodies to a virus called human spumavirus. They found that about 3% of people worldwide had signs of this virus in their blood, but in African patients the rate was much higher at 6.3%. Notably, patients with ME/CFS, multiple sclerosis, and Graves' disease showed very low or no evidence of this virus.

Virology laboratory diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome.

McLaughlin, B·Canada diseases weekly report = Rapport hebdomadaire des maladies au Canada·1991

This 1991 study examined how laboratory tests using virology (the study of viruses) could help diagnose ME/CFS. The research looked at whether finding certain viruses in patients' blood or other samples could confirm whether someone has ME/CFS. This was an important early step in trying to understand if viruses play a role in this illness.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Immune responsiveness in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Milton, J D, Clements, G B, Edwards, R H·Postgraduate medical journal·1991

This 1991 study tested whether ME/CFS was caused by a persistent viral infection or a weakened immune response to viruses. Researchers compared immune markers and virus-fighting abilities in ME/CFS patients, healthy controls, and people with muscular dystrophy. They found no significant differences between groups, suggesting that standard viral infection or immune dysfunction wasn't the primary cause of ME/CFS.

E2 ModerateReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Chronic fatigue syndrome in northern Nevada.

Daugherty, S A, Henry, B E, Peterson, D L et al.·Reviews of infectious diseases·1991

Between 1984 and 1988, doctors in northern Nevada identified over 400 patients with ME/CFS and found a common pattern of symptoms and lab abnormalities in those who were moderately to severely ill. The pattern included extreme fatigue, sore throats, memory and concentration problems, muscle pain, and specific changes in immune system markers and brain imaging. Some patients experienced more serious problems like seizures or cognitive decline.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: clinical condition associated with immune activation.

Landay, A L, Jessop, C, Lennette, E T et al.·Lancet (London, England)·1991

Researchers used specialized tests to examine immune cells from 147 people with ME/CFS and compared them to healthy people. They found that people with ME/CFS had lower levels of certain immune cells (CD8 suppressor cells) and higher levels of immune activation markers on other immune cells. These differences were not seen in healthy people, contacts of patients, or people with other illnesses, suggesting that immune system activation may be involved in ME/CFS.

Search for an association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and the chronic fatigue syndrome.

Joncas, J H·Canada diseases weekly report = Rapport hebdomadaire des maladies au Canada·1991

This study looked at whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that causes mononucleosis, might be connected to ME/CFS. Researchers compared people with ME/CFS to other groups to see if they had different levels of EBV infection or antibodies. This was one of the early investigations into potential viral causes of ME/CFS.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

A comprehensive immunological analysis in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Gupta, S, Vayuvegula, B·Scandinavian journal of immunology·1991

Researchers compared immune system cells and antibodies in 20 ME/CFS patients and 20 healthy people to see if there were differences. They found that ME/CFS patients had fewer natural killer cells (immune cells that fight infections), some changes in how their immune cells communicate with each other, and weaker responses to certain types of immune challenges. These findings suggest the immune system works differently in ME/CFS.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Chronic fatigue syndrome: I. Epstein-Barr virus immune response and molecular epidemiology.

Jones, J F, Streib, J, Baker, S et al.·Journal of medical virology·1991

This study looked at how the immune system responds to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people who have been infected with EBV. Researchers found that immune cells from ME/CFS patients were much more likely to grow uncontrollably in the lab (30% vs 8%), and patients showed more signs of active viral infection in their blood. These findings suggest that some ME/CFS patients may have difficulty controlling EBV reactivation.

No association of HLA class II antigens in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Middleton, D, Savage, D A, Smith, D G·Disease markers·1991

This study examined whether certain immune system markers called HLA class II antigens were associated with ME/CFS. Researchers compared these markers in people with ME/CFS and healthy controls. The study found no link between these particular immune markers and ME/CFS, suggesting that HLA class II antigens are not a defining feature of the condition.

Epstein-Barr antibody titer and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Powell, M A·Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners·1990

This study looked at whether people with ME/CFS have higher levels of antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (a common virus that causes mononucleosis) compared to healthy people. Researchers measured these antibody levels in patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome to see if there was a connection between past or ongoing EBV infection and the development of ME/CFS.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Immunologic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Klimas, N G, Salvato, F R, Morgan, R et al.·Journal of clinical microbiology·1990

This study examined immune system markers in 30 ME/CFS patients and compared them to healthy controls. Researchers found that patients had multiple immune system abnormalities, with the most consistent problem being that natural killer cells—white blood cells that fight infections and cancer—were not working properly, even though patients had more of these cells than normal. Patients also showed reduced responses to immune stimulation and changes in other types of immune cells.

Immunoglobulin subclass abnormalities in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Wakefield, D, Lloyd, A, Brockman, A·The Pediatric infectious disease journal·1990

This study examined whether people with ME/CFS have unusual patterns in their antibodies—proteins the immune system makes to fight infection. Researchers looked at different types of antibodies in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. The findings suggested that ME/CFS patients may have immune system imbalances that differ from the general population.

Immunological abnormalities in the chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lloyd, A R, Wakefield, D, Boughton, C R et al.·The Medical journal of Australia·1989

This study compared the immune systems of 100 ME/CFS patients with 100 healthy people to see if immune problems might explain why ME/CFS causes such severe fatigue. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had fewer immune cells and weaker immune responses than healthy people. These findings suggest that problems with how the immune system works may be involved in causing ME/CFS.

E2 ModerateReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Fibromyalgia and its relation to chronic fatigue syndrome, viral illness and immune abnormalities.

Goldenberg, D L·The Journal of rheumatology. Supplement·1989

This study compared fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, two conditions that can feel similar to patients. Researchers found that most people with ME/CFS had tender points in their muscles similar to fibromyalgia patients. They also noted that both conditions may share similar underlying causes related to viral infections and how the immune system responds.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Cell-mediated immunity in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis syndrome.

Murdoch, J C·The New Zealand medical journal·1988

This study tested immune system function in 33 ME/CFS patients compared to 33 healthy people of similar age and sex. Researchers used a skin test device called the multitest CMI to measure how well the immune system responded. They found that ME/CFS patients had weaker immune responses than healthy controls, suggesting their T-cells (a key type of immune cell) may not be working normally.