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Gut MicrobiomePEM-relevant

Gut Microbiome

38 studies in the atlas

Alterations in the gut microbiome have been reported in ME/CFS patients, with differences in bacterial diversity and composition compared to healthy controls. The gut-immune axis is a plausible pathway through which microbiome changes could influence systemic symptoms, though causal evidence remains limited.

What we know

  • Several studies have reported altered gut microbiome composition in ME/CFS patients compared to controls
  • Reduced bacterial diversity has been observed in some cohorts
  • Gut permeability (leaky gut) has been reported in a subset of patients
  • The gut-immune axis provides a plausible mechanistic pathway for systemic effects

What remains uncertain

  • Whether microbiome changes are a cause, consequence, or bystander in ME/CFS
  • Whether specific bacterial signatures are consistent enough to serve as biomarkers
  • Whether probiotic or dietary interventions meaningfully improve symptoms
  • The relationship between gut microbiome changes and immune activation in ME/CFS

What is emerging

  • Whether targeted microbiome interventions could benefit specific patient subgroups
  • The role of the gut-brain axis in cognitive symptoms
  • Whether microbiome profiles predict disease trajectory
  • How gut microbiome findings in ME/CFS compare to Long COVID

Start here

E0 ConsensusPEM unclearPreliminary

The potential therapeutic approaches targeting gut health in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): a narrative review.

Hsu, Chou-Yi, Ahmad, Irfan, Maya, Rana Warid et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2025

This review looked at how gut health might be connected to ME/CFS and found that people with ME/CFS often have different bacteria in their gut compared to healthy people. The researchers reviewed studies about various gut-focused treatments like probiotics, dietary changes, and other interventions that might help reduce ME/CFS symptoms by improving the gut-brain connection.

Research Momentum

38 publications over 13 years. Recent trend: increasing (7/year over the last 3 years).

All Studies

38 studies, sorted by review status and evidence level

E0 ConsensusPEM requiredModerate confidenceReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

Gut Microbiome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Insights into Disease Mechanisms.

Nikolova, Ralitsa, Donchev, Deyan, Vaseva, Katya et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2025

This review examines the connection between gut bacteria and ME/CFS, a condition characterized by exhaustion that worsens after activity. The authors explain how an imbalance in gut bacteria may damage the intestinal barrier, allowing bacterial particles to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation throughout the body. They also discuss how changes in gut bacteria might affect the brain, contributing to the brain fog and cognitive problems many ME/CFS patients experience.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise
E0 ConsensusPEM unclearPreliminaryReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

The potential therapeutic approaches targeting gut health in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): a narrative review.

Hsu, Chou-Yi, Ahmad, Irfan, Maya, Rana Warid et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2025

This review looked at how gut health might be connected to ME/CFS and found that people with ME/CFS often have different bacteria in their gut compared to healthy people. The researchers reviewed studies about various gut-focused treatments like probiotics, dietary changes, and other interventions that might help reduce ME/CFS symptoms by improving the gut-brain connection.

Gut Microbiome
E0 ConsensusPEM unclearModerate confidenceSystematic-ReviewEditor reviewed

Clinical evidence of the link between gut microbiome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a retrospective review.

Wang, Jing-Hua, Choi, Yujin, Lee, Jin-Seok et al.·European journal of medical research·2024

Researchers reviewed 11 studies comparing gut bacteria in ME/CFS patients to healthy people. They found that people with ME/CFS have fewer types of bacteria and different bacterial communities in their guts compared to healthy controls. Additionally, ME/CFS patients produce lower levels of certain beneficial bacterial byproducts that are normally important for health.

Gut Microbiome
E0 ConsensusPEM unclearPreliminarySystematic-ReviewEditor reviewed

A systematic review of enteric dysbiosis in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Du Preez, S, Corbitt, M, Cabanas, H et al.·Systematic reviews·2018

Researchers reviewed seven studies looking at whether gut bacteria differences might cause ME/CFS symptoms. While all studies found some differences in gut bacteria between ME/CFS patients and healthy people, the findings were inconsistent and often not statistically significant. Currently, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say that abnormal gut bacteria are a major cause of ME/CFS.

Gut Microbiome
E0 ConsensusPEM unclearPreliminarySystematic-ReviewEditor reviewed

The impact of gut microbiome and diet on post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Reyes, Zabrina, Stovall, Mary Catherine, Punyamurthula, Sanjana et al.·Journal of the neurological sciences·2024

This study looked at how gut bacteria and diet might affect people who develop Long COVID (symptoms that continue months after a COVID-19 infection). Researchers reviewed existing studies to see if changes in gut bacteria linked to worse COVID illness could be improved by eating foods rich in fiber and antioxidants, like those in the Mediterranean Diet. The idea is that a healthier gut might help prevent or reduce Long COVID symptoms.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E0 ConsensusPEM unclearModerate confidenceReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

Causes of symptoms and symptom persistence in long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Komaroff, Anthony L, Dantzer, Robert·Cell reports. Medicine·2025

This review examines why long COVID and ME/CFS cause such severe, lasting symptoms. Researchers found that both conditions share similar biological problems, including immune system misbehavior, problems with blood vessel function, and issues with how cells produce energy. The study suggests that symptoms may come from both these biological problems and from ancient survival responses in the brain that were meant to protect us during serious illness.

NeuroinflammationSevere MEGut Microbiome
E0 ConsensusPEM unclearPreliminaryReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection, EBV, HHV-6 and Other Factors May Contribute to Inflammation and Autoimmunity in Long COVID.

Vojdani, Aristo, Vojdani, Elroy, Saidara, Evan et al.·Viruses·2023

This review examines how long COVID—a condition where symptoms persist months after a coronavirus infection—may develop through similar mechanisms to ME/CFS. The authors suggest that viral persistence, reactivation of old herpes viruses (like Epstein-Barr virus), immune system dysfunction, and gut microbiome changes may all contribute to ongoing inflammation and autoimmune problems. They propose testing for antibodies and other markers to better identify and treat long COVID.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune SystemLong COVID Overlap
E0 ConsensusPEM unclearPreliminaryReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

Recognizing the Leaky Gut as a Trans-diagnostic Target for Neuroimmune Disorders Using Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Immunology Assays.

Simeonova, Denitsa, Ivanovska, Mariya, Murdjeva, Mariana et al.·Current topics in medicinal chemistry·2018

This review examines how a condition called 'leaky gut'—where the intestinal barrier becomes too permeable, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream—may contribute to ME/CFS and other conditions affecting mood and energy. The authors summarize available blood and stool tests that can help doctors recognize leaky gut in practice. They identify specific markers (like immune responses to bacterial toxins and inflammatory proteins) that could signal intestinal barrier problems.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E0 ConsensusPEM not requiredPreliminarySystematic-ReviewEditor reviewed

Systematic review: faecal microbiota transplantation therapy for digestive and nondigestive disorders in adults and children.

Sha, S, Liang, J, Chen, M et al.·Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics·2014

This review examined whether transferring stool bacteria from healthy donors to patients (called faecal microbiota transplantation or FMT) could help treat various diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers looked at 67 published studies involving 844 patients and found that FMT was very effective for certain gut infections and inflammatory bowel disease, with very few serious side effects reported.

Gut Microbiome
E1 ReplicatedPEM not requiredPreliminaryRCTEditor reviewed

Sijunzi decoction, a classical Chinese herbal formula, improves fatigue symptoms with changes in gut microbiota in chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial.

Dai, Liang, Liu, Zhidong, Zhou, Wenjuan et al.·Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology·2024

This study tested whether Sijunzi decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, could reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients. Over 100 people with ME/CFS took either the herbal formula or a placebo for 2 months. The herbal treatment group showed slightly more improvement in fatigue symptoms and overall health than the placebo group, and the improvement may be linked to changes in gut bacteria.

Gut Microbiome
E1 ReplicatedPEM not requiredPreliminaryRCTEditor reviewed

Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study: efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation on chronic fatigue syndrome.

Salonen, Tapani, Jokinen, Elina, Satokari, Reetta et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2023

Researchers tested whether transplanting gut bacteria from healthy donors into ME/CFS patients could reduce fatigue and improve quality of life. Eleven patients received either bacteria from a healthy donor or their own bacteria (a placebo control) via colonoscopy, and their symptoms were tracked for six months. The treatment was safe, but it did not improve fatigue, pain, or overall quality of life compared to placebo.

Gut Microbiome
E1 ReplicatedPEM not requiredPreliminaryRCTEditor reviewed

[Ginger-separated moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome and its effect on intestinal flora].

Lin, Yu-Fang, Jin, Xiao-Qing, Zhu, Jian-Fang et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2021

This study tested whether ginger-separated moxibustion (a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving heat applied to the skin over specific points) could help reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients. Over 4 weeks, patients receiving moxibustion treatment along with normal diet and exercise showed significantly greater improvements in fatigue symptoms compared to those receiving diet and exercise alone. The treatment also appeared to change the types of bacteria in patients' guts in ways that might support better intestinal health.

Gut Microbiome
E2 ModeratePEM unclearModerate confidenceLongitudinalEditor reviewed

AI-driven multi-omics modeling of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Xiong, Ruoyun, Aiken, Elizabeth, Caldwell, Ryan et al.·Nature medicine·2025

Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze blood, gut bacteria, immune cells, and symptoms from 249 ME/CFS patients tracked over 4 years. The AI model discovered that ME/CFS involves abnormal patterns in gut bacteria products, blood fats, and immune cells that attack infections—particularly special T cells that become overactive. These findings suggest ME/CFS isn't caused by a single problem but by multiple connected systems going wrong together.

BiomarkersGut MicrobiomeEnergy MetabolismImmune System
E2 ModeratePEM not requiredPreliminaryCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

The gut microbial composition is different in chronic fatigue syndrome than in healthy controls.

Prylińska-Jaśkowiak, Monika, Tabisz, Hanna, Kujawski, Sławomir et al.·Scientific reports·2025

Researchers compared the bacteria living in the gut of people with ME/CFS to healthy people and found clear differences. People with ME/CFS had less diverse bacterial communities and different types of bacteria overall. A computer program could accurately tell the difference between ME/CFS and healthy people just by looking at their gut bacteria patterns, suggesting this difference might be important for the illness.

Gut Microbiome
E2 ModeratePEM unclearModerate confidenceObservationalEditor reviewed

Multi-'omics of gut microbiome-host interactions in short- and long-term myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Xiong, Ruoyun, Gunter, Courtney, Fleming, Elizabeth et al.·Cell host & microbe·2023

Researchers studied the gut bacteria and blood chemicals of people with ME/CFS to understand how the disease affects the body. They compared three groups: people with ME/CFS for less than 4 years, people who've had it for over 10 years, and healthy people without the disease. They found that early ME/CFS patients have significant changes in their gut bacteria, while long-term patients' bacteria had mostly normalized, but their blood chemistry and symptoms remained abnormal.

Gut Microbiome
E2 ModeratePEM unclearPreliminaryCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Eukaryotes in the gut microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mandarano, Alexandra H, Giloteaux, Ludovic, Keller, Betsy A et al.·PeerJ·2018

This study looked at tiny organisms called eukaryotes (which include fungi and parasites) living in the gut of people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS had slightly less diversity of these organisms and some differences in fungal types, though these differences were small. The findings suggest that gut imbalances in ME/CFS may involve more than just bacteria.

Gut Microbiome
E2 ModeratePEM not requiredPreliminaryCase-ControlEditor reviewed

Increased d-lactic Acid intestinal bacteria in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sheedy, John R, Wettenhall, Richard E H, Scanlon, Denis et al.·In vivo (Athens, Greece)·2009

This study found that people with ME/CFS have higher levels of specific bacteria in their gut that produce a substance called D-lactic acid. These bacteria were found in much larger quantities in stool samples from ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. The researchers suggest this excess D-lactic acid might help explain why some ME/CFS patients experience brain fog and cognitive problems.

Gut MicrobiomeEnergy Metabolism
E2 ModeratePEM not requiredPreliminaryObservationalEditor reviewed

Effect of supplement with lactic-acid producing bacteria on fatigue and physical activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sullivan, Asa, Nord, Carl E, Evengård, Birgitta·Nutrition journal·2009

This small study tested whether specific probiotic bacteria (live microorganisms that may benefit gut health) could reduce fatigue and improve physical activity in ME/CFS patients. Fifteen patients took probiotics for 4 weeks and were monitored for changes in fatigue, physical activity, and cognitive function. While some patients reported feeling better overall, the study did not find significant improvements in fatigue or activity levels, though cognitive function did improve.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E2 ModeratePEM not requiredPreliminaryCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Assessment of the Gut Microbiome in Patients with Coexisting Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Chojnacki, Marcin, Błońska, Aleksandra, Kaczka, Aleksandra et al.·Nutrients·2025

This study looked at the gut bacteria and their byproducts in 80 women, comparing those with IBS alone to those with both IBS and chronic fatigue. Women with both conditions had different types of bacteria and different levels of certain chemicals in their urine, particularly those related to tryptophan (an amino acid). Higher levels of some of these chemicals were linked to worse fatigue symptoms.

Gut Microbiome
E2 ModeratePEM unclearModerate confidenceCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Systemic antibody responses against gut microbiota flagellins implicate shared and divergent immune reactivity in Crohn's disease and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Bourgonje, Arno R, Hörstke, Nicolai V, Fehringer, Michaela et al.·Microbiome·2024

This study looked at immune responses in ME/CFS and Crohn's disease patients by measuring antibodies against proteins from gut bacteria called flagellins. Researchers found that both patient groups had elevated antibodies against these bacterial proteins, but the pattern of where these antibodies attached differed between the two diseases. These antibody patterns could potentially help doctors diagnose ME/CFS and understand how the immune system may be responding abnormally to gut bacteria.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E2 ModeratePEM not requiredPreliminaryCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Associations between the gut microbiome and fatigue in cancer patients.

Hajjar, Joud, Mendoza, Tito, Zhang, Liangliang et al.·Scientific reports·2021

Researchers studied 88 cancer patients to see if the bacteria living in their gut were connected to cancer-related fatigue. They found that certain beneficial bacteria (Eubacterium hallii) were linked to lower fatigue levels, while other bacteria (Cosenzaea) were linked to higher fatigue. This suggests that the mix of gut bacteria might play a role in how tired cancer patients feel, opening the door to new treatments.

Gut Microbiome
E3 PreliminaryPEM not requiredPreliminaryMethods-PaperEditor reviewed

Profiling Antibody Reactivity to Gut Microbes in ME/CFS Patients.

Seton, Katharine A, Carding, Simon R·Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)·2025

This study looks at how the immune system of ME/CFS patients reacts to bacteria in the gut. Many ME/CFS patients have changes in their gut bacteria and a leaky gut lining that allows bacteria and their toxic products to enter the bloodstream, potentially triggering widespread inflammation. The researchers developed methods to measure specific immune proteins (antibodies) that ME/CFS patients produce in response to these gut bacteria, compared to healthy household members.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearPreliminaryCross-SectionalEditor reviewed

Dysregulation of the Kynurenine Pathway, Cytokine Expression Pattern, and Proteomics Profile Link to Symptomology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Kavyani, Bahar, Ahn, Seong Beom, Missailidis, Daniel et al.·Molecular neurobiology·2024

This study found that ME/CFS patients have imbalances in a particular chemical pathway in their body (the kynurenine pathway) that appears connected to inflammation and symptom severity. The researchers discovered that higher levels of one early chemical in this pathway correlated with worse symptoms, while lower levels of later chemicals in the pathway might affect how cells produce energy. Interestingly, they also found that five of the most significantly changed proteins in ME/CFS patients are involved in gut health, suggesting the gut microbiome may play an important role in the disease.

BiomarkersGut MicrobiomeEnergy MetabolismImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearPreliminaryMethods-PaperEditor reviewed

KombOver: Efficient k-core and K-truss based characterization of perturbations within the human gut microbiome.

Sapoval, Nicolae, Tanevski, Marko, Treangen, Todd J·Pacific Symposium on Biocomputing. Pacific Symposium on Biocomputing·2024

This study describes a new computer tool called KombOver that analyzes bacteria in the gut more efficiently than previous methods. Researchers tested it on nearly 1,000 gut samples from people with ME/CFS and other conditions to see how microbial communities change in response to illness. The tool works much faster and requires less computing power than earlier versions, making it more practical for large research studies.

Gut Microbiome
E3 PreliminaryPEM not requiredPreliminaryMechanisticEditor reviewed

Investigating the Human Intestinal DNA Virome and Predicting Disease-Associated Virus-Host Interactions in Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Hsieh, Shen-Yuan, Savva, George M, Telatin, Andrea et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2023

This study looked at viruses living in the gut of people with severe ME/CFS and compared them to healthy people. The researchers found that people with ME/CFS have different types and amounts of viruses in their intestines, and they identified specific viruses that might interact with gut bacteria in ways that could be linked to the disease. This research provides a starting point for understanding whether these intestinal viruses might play a role in ME/CFS.

Gut Microbiome
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearPreliminaryObservationalEditor reviewed

Causal Effects between Gut Microbiome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

He, Gang, Cao, Yu, Ma, Honghao et al.·Frontiers in microbiology·2023

This study used genetic analysis to investigate whether changes in gut bacteria might actually cause ME/CFS, rather than just being associated with it. Researchers found that two types of bacteria—Paraprevotella and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014—appear to increase the risk of developing ME/CFS. These findings suggest that gut bacteria may play a role in how ME/CFS develops.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM not requiredPreliminaryMechanisticEditor reviewed

Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorated complex factor-induced chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites in mice.

Wei, Xintong, Xin, Jiayun, Chen, Wei et al.·Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie·2023

This study tested whether astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a compound from traditional Chinese medicine, could help with chronic fatigue syndrome in mice. The researchers found that APS improved fatigue-related symptoms by changing the bacteria in the gut, which led to more production of beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids that reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM not requiredPreliminaryMechanisticEditor reviewed

Integrated 'omics analysis for the gut microbiota response to moxibustion in a rat model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chaoran, L I, Yan, Yang, Chuwen, Feng et al.·Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan·2023

This study tested whether moxibustion (a traditional Chinese medicine technique using heat) could help treat chronic fatigue syndrome in rats. Researchers found that moxibustion improved fatigue-like symptoms and restored balance to the gut bacteria and chemical levels that were abnormal in fatigued rats. The results suggest that moxibustion may work by fixing problems in the gut microbiome (bacteria) and the metabolites (chemical byproducts) they produce.

Gut Microbiome
E3 PreliminaryPEM not requiredPreliminaryReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

[Mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome from perspective of intestinal flora].

Li, Chao-Ran, Sun, Zhong-Ren, Wang, Yu-Lin et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2022

This study explores how gut bacteria may contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome and suggests that acupuncture and moxibustion (traditional Chinese medicine techniques) might help by restoring healthy gut bacteria. The researchers believe that an imbalance in gut bacteria can trigger inflammation and metabolism problems in ME/CFS patients, and that these traditional treatments could reduce fatigue by improving gut health and communication between the gut and brain.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearPreliminaryReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

Mucosal Immunity and the Gut-Microbiota-Brain-Axis in Neuroimmune Disease.

Sterling, Kathryn G, Dodd, Griffin Kutler, Alhamdi, Shatha et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2022

This review article examines the connection between gut bacteria, immunity, and the brain in diseases like ME/CFS. The authors explain that the bacteria in our gut can communicate with our brain through chemical signals and nerves, but this communication can be disrupted in certain illnesses. They focus on how the immune system in the gut lining controls which bacteria thrive there, and how changes in these bacterial communities might contribute to neuroimmune diseases.

NeuroinflammationGut MicrobiomeImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM requiredPreliminaryCase-ControlEditor reviewed

A Pair of Identical Twins Discordant for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Differ in Physiological Parameters and Gut Microbiome Composition.

Giloteaux, Ludovic, Hanson, Maureen R, Keller, Betsy A·The American journal of case reports·2016

This study compared two identical twins—one with ME/CFS and one without—to understand what causes the illness. The affected twin showed reduced exercise capacity, abnormal responses to physical exertion, and differences in immune markers and gut bacteria compared to the healthy twin. These findings suggest that ME/CFS involves problems with how the body responds to exercise and changes in the gut bacteria that may trigger inflammation.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearPreliminaryReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Its Usage in Neuropsychiatric Disorders.

Evrensel, Alper, Ceylan, Mehmet Emin·Clinical psychopharmacology and neuroscience : the official scientific journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·2016

This review examines fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)—a treatment where healthy gut bacteria from a donor are transferred to a patient—and its potential use in treating brain and mental health conditions. While FMT is already proven effective for certain gut infections and inflammatory bowel diseases, researchers are exploring whether it might help with conditions like ME/CFS, autism, and Parkinson's disease. Early results are promising, but much more research is needed to understand if it's safe and effective long-term.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearPreliminaryReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

The Role of Toll-Like Receptors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A New Promising Therapeutic Approach?

Gambuzza, Maria Elsa, Salmeri, Francesca Maria, Soraci, Luca et al.·CNS & neurological disorders drug targets·2015

This review examines how certain immune system sensors called Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may contribute to ME/CFS. These receptors sit on cells in the gut and detect bacteria and other microbes, triggering inflammation that may spread to the brain and cause fatigue and other symptoms. The researchers suggest that targeting these TLRs with new medications might help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.

NeuroinflammationGut MicrobiomeImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearPreliminaryReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

The gut microbiome and the brain.

Galland, Leo·Journal of medicinal food·2014

Your gut bacteria can communicate with your brain in several ways: they produce substances that trigger your immune system, create chemicals that affect your mood and sleep, and send signals directly to your brain through a major nerve called the vagus nerve. When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, this communication can go wrong and may contribute to problems like chronic fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes.

NeuroinflammationGut MicrobiomeImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearWeak / uncertainReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

[Pathogenicity of fungi in the intestines--current status of the discussion].

Scheurlen, M·Fortschritte der Medizin·1996

Some people believe that yeast infections in the gut, particularly from a fungus called Candida, might cause chronic fatigue syndrome and other long-term illnesses by producing harmful toxins. However, experts disagree about whether this theory is actually true. This editorial explains that while the idea is interesting, there isn't enough solid scientific evidence yet to prove it works or to recommend yeast-fighting treatments based on this theory alone.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearPreliminaryReview-NarrativeEditor reviewed

The Gut Microbiome and Symptom Burden After Kidney Transplantation: An Overview and Research Opportunities.

Lockwood, Mark B, Sung, Choa, Alvernaz, Suzanne A et al.·Biological research for nursing·2024

Kidney transplant patients often feel very tired and sick even after their new kidney works well. Scientists think the bacteria living in our digestive system might explain why this happens. Transplant medications can change these helpful bacteria, which may affect how our immune system, hormones, and brain work together. This article explores how fixing the gut bacteria might help transplant patients feel better.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearPreliminaryMethods-PaperEditor reviewed

Establishment and evaluation of prediction model for multiple disease classification based on gut microbial data.

Bang, Sohyun, Yoo, DongAhn, Kim, Soo-Jin et al.·Scientific reports·2019

Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze bacteria in the gut of patients with six different diseases, including ME/CFS, to see if gut bacteria patterns could help identify which disease a person has. They tested different computer learning methods and found that looking at bacteria at the genus level (a specific classification of microorganisms) worked best, and they identified certain bacterial groups that might serve as disease markers.

BiomarkersGut Microbiome
E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearPreliminaryMechanisticMachine-drafted

A metagenomic approach to investigate the microbial causes of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: moving beyond XMRV.

Miller, Ruth R, Gardy, Jennifer L, Tang, Patrick et al.·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2013

This study used advanced genetic sequencing techniques to search for microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that might cause ME/CFS. Rather than looking for one specific virus, the researchers cast a wider net to detect any microbes present in patient samples. This approach moved beyond previous unsuccessful searches for a single virus, offering a more comprehensive way to understand whether infections play a role in ME/CFS.

Gut Microbiome

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