A New Cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Has Been Found
Our expert: Dr. Helene
The exact causes of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are still unknown, which has become a challenge for researchers worldwide. Scientists from California recently put forward the theory that CFS may be the result of infection with enteroviruses.
Mysterious syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome has recently been considered a disease and scientists have given it the name of myalgic encephalomyelitis. Its main symptoms are extreme weakness, drowsiness, and lack of strength. The causes include a weakened immune system, physical or emotional stress, disorders of energy metabolism, and genetic predisposition.
Chronic fatigue and stomach problems
Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that cause infectious diseases that are usually mild. They are spread through contaminated water and food. More than 90 % of people infected with enteroviruses either have no symptoms or are nonspecific such as a flu-like condition with fever and muscle aches, respiratory distress, fever with rash, or gastrointestinal problems.
Enteroviruses can also provoke serious diseases including poliomyelitis, myocarditis, enterovirus exanthem, aseptic meningitis, and others.
Infectious disease experts Dr. Jonah K. Chia and Dr. Andrew Y. Chia of Enterovirus Medical Research noticed that most patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have persistent or recurrent GI problems. The study confirmed that 82 % of the people in the test group suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome tested positive for Enterovirus RNA. This proves a link between enterovirus and CFS and opens up new treatment options.
Recognizing the signs of enterovirus
Enterovirus is easy to diagnose. If you have symptoms of enterovirus and even minor GI problems, taking a stool test to detect the RNA of the virus is advised. This is the fastest and most accurate way to detect enterovirus infection.
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