Infections Common in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Although the cause or causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are still unknown, research has found that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is associated with immune system changes. It is common for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to have several infections at the same time.

The onset of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can affect people in two different ways. Some Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients report a gradual onset of symptoms. Others report their symptoms appeared suddenly. For the latter, it is believed the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is triggered by viral infections.

The theory behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is that the immune system goes into overdrive when fighting a possible viral infection. Something falters though and even after the viral infections are no longer active, the immune system acts as if they are. Viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are usually found in higher levels in CFS patients' blood work than healthy people.

Top Chronic Fatigue Syndrome specialist, Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, believes the immune system exhausts itself, causing further malfunctioning that affects the rest of the body. Defense mechanisms in the body are weakened, resulting in CFS patients contracting viral, respiratory and other repeated infections.

The majority of the population has been exposed to these viruses by the time they are 20 years old. When the immune system is working properly, the body will get rid of these infections on its own. With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, patients will have chronic, low-grade levels of infection.

Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)

HHV-6 is a virus related to the Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and the herpesvirus that causes cold sores and genital herpes. Active HHV-6 can be damaging because it infects the natural killer cells. Natural killer cells (NKC) are what help the body fight infection. Dr. Teitelbaum says that many studies have shown natural killer cells to be malfunctioning in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Normal levels of natural killer cells should be between 50 - 250 units. When my NKC levels were tested, I only had 3 units. The HHV-6 virus doesn't eliminate the number of cells; it eliminates the functioning of the cells.

The HHV-6 virus is currently not treatable. HHV-6 is related to other herpesviruses, but it is resistant to the treatments commonly used for those.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

It is common for levels of both EBV and CMV to be elevated in CFS patients. Epstein-Barr virus is the virus that causes mononucleosis. Cytomegalovirus is a member of the herpesvirus family and is a common virus. It is believed that EBV levels are very active in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients. To treat and eliminate EBV, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome specialists will prescribe high doses of Valtrex. CMV is resistant to Valtrex and there is currently not a proven treatment found yet to treat it.

Mycoplasma and Chlamydia Pneumoniae

Upper respiratory and sinus infections are common among CFS patients. I would repeatedly get sinus infections and upper respiratory infections several times a year. When I went to see a CFS specialist and had blood tests run, high levels of mycoplasma and chlamydia pneumoniae were found. Active levels of these are also consistently found in CFS patients.

Mycoplasma and chlamydia are bacteria that can cause a wide variety of disease. Chlamydia pneumoniae is the major cause of pneumonia. They also cause the types of symptoms seen in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Both of these can be treated with the right antibiotics. The most effective antibiotics used to treat mycloplasma and chlamydia are Doxycycline, Cipro and Zithromax.

Treating the underlying infections that are found in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is just one piece of the puzzle for this complex disorder. Science and research is uncovering more each day about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and hopefully one day a cure will be found.

Resources:

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, From Fatigued to Fantastic