Microbial infections in eight genomic subtypes of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. Issue 2 (2nd December 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Lihan; Gough, John; Christmas, David; Mattey, Derek L; Richards, Selwyn C M; Main, Janice; Enlander, Derek; Honeybourne, David; Ayres, Jon G; Nutt, David J; Kerr, Jonathan R
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 63:Issue 2(2010)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 164
• Publication Date: 2009-12-02
• Subjects: Chronic fatigue syndrome -- myalgic encephalomyelitis -- subtypes -- gene expression -- endogenous depression -- Epstein–Barr virus -- parvovirus B19 -- Coxiella burnetii -- enterovirus; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2009.072561
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The authors have previously reported genomic subtypes of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) based on expression of 88 human genes. Aim: To attempt to reproduce these findings, determine the specificity of this signature to CFS/ME, and test for associations between CFS/ME subtype and infection. Methods: Expression levels of 88 human genes were determined in blood of 62 new patients with idiopathic CFS/ME (according to Fukuda criteria), six patients with Q-fever-associated CFS/ME from the Birmingham Q-fever outbreak (according to Fukuda criteria), 14 patients with endogenous depression (according to DSM-IV criteria) and 29 normal blood donors. Results: In patients with CFS/ME, differential expression was confirmed for all 88 genes. Q-CFS/ME had similar patterns of gene expression to idiopathic CFS/ME. Gene expression in patients with endogenous depression was similar to that in the normal controls, except for upregulation of five genes ( APP, CREBBP, GNAS, PDCD2 and PDCD6 ). Clustering of combined gene data in CFS/ME patients for this and the authors' previous study (117 CFS/ME patients) revealed genomic subtypes with distinct differences in SF36 scores, clinical phenotypes, severity and geographical distribution. Antibody testing for Epstein–Barr virus, enterovirus, Coxiella burnetii and parvovirus B19 revealed evidence of subtype-specific relationships for Epstein–Barr virus and enterovirus, the two most common infectious triggers of CFS/ME. Conclusions: This study confirms the involvement of these genes in CFS/ME.