Scientists believe that the syndrome of chronic fatigue is caused by bacteria
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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A few dozen years ago, such a diagnosis, as a syndrome of chronic fatigue, did not exist. Therefore, this pathological condition at the moment is poorly understood. For example, no one can accurately indicate the cause of the syndrome, and scientists continue to explore the disease deeper.
In the US , chronic fatigue syndrome began to be attributed to diseases only about thirty years ago. The syndrome is characterized by general weakness, exhaustion, which can not be explained by any visible causes. Among the additional symptoms are often allocated a violation of concentration, insomnia or drowsiness, muscle discomfort, etc. In scientific syndrome sounds like "benign myalgic encephalomyelitis."
At some point, it was suggested that the development of the syndrome leads to a viral infection. Individual scientists adhered to the version of stress origin of pathology. There were also separate theories about the involvement of the endocrine system and immunity disorders.
Recent research has allowed specialists to discover that bacteria are "to blame" for the development of the syndrome.
Even earlier, physicians noticed that almost 90% of people with chronic fatigue syndrome simultaneously have irritable bowel syndrome: the relationship between the intestinal flora and the appearance of constant fatigue, it would seem, is obvious.
A number of scientists representing the Center for Infectious Pathologies and the Immune System (Columbia University) undertook a detailed study of the bacterial flora in the intestine in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. It was found that the syndrome is directly related to the presence of microorganisms such as coprococci, clostridia, coprobacillus, ruminococcus, and also the bacteria Roseeburia and Dorea.
A hundred volunteers took part in the experiment. In addition to the analysis of the intestinal microflora, they checked the content of immunoglobulins and antibodies in the bloodstream.
The main biological marker of the syndrome was the increased content of Alistipes microbes against the background of deficiency of Faecalibacterium. If the syndrome of chronic fatigue occurred without irritable bowel syndrome, the fault was the increased presence of Bacteroides bacteria against the background of a lack of microorganisms Bacteroides vulgatus.
No one detected an immune marker. Although, perhaps, it should be done for a longer time.
"We can assume that upon completion of the study of intestinal microflora, the chronic fatigue syndrome can be divided into several types and create a certain classification. This approach will help to pinpoint the factors and patterns of the disease, "says Brent Williams, a doctor of pathology and cell biology from Columbia University, who co-authored the study.
Experts in this area believe that the identification of microorganisms, which are supposedly contributing to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome, will allow the development of specific methods of therapy. Exposure to certain types of bacteria could lead to a successful cure for this disease.
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