99 (http://chronicfatigue.miningco.com/library/weekly/aa012799.htm?pid=2839&cob

[Guest guest]

Hi all, thought this was interesting for those who might have Chronic

Fatigue. Dee~T. dtroll@...

Thu, Feb 25, 1999

Lorden - your Mining Co. Guide to:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Mycoplasma Infection

Dateline: 1/27/99

I remember my sense of satisfaction and clarity as a

teenager when my doctor explained to me that there were two kinds of

infections: bacterial infections could be treated by antibiotics, while a

virus could not. These days it turns out it's not so simple. Increasing

attention is being received by an emerging type of pathogen that may be a

cause or an important cofactor in a variety of diseases. They're called

Mycoplasmas and they come in several species; their unique biological

properties may present challenges that are very different from typical

bacterial pathogens.

What Is Mycoplasma?

Mycoplasma is the smallest and simplest subclass of

bacteria. While it is not new, the recent discovery of certain altered

forms of Mycoplasma reveals some species that have become more invasive and

more difficult to find. These varieties may have wide-ranging and complex

effects on the systems of the human body.

Mycoplasma has the smallest genome of any bacteria

that can replicate independently of host cells. Unlike typical bacteria, it

has no cell wall, which allows it to invade tissue and penetrate deep inside

the white blood cells. Mycoplasmas are slow-growing micro-organisms that

activate the immune system and then can successfully hide from it within the

immune cells. These organisms are systemic; that is, they can go to all the

tissues and organs of the body causing complex symptoms. Mycoplasma

infection has been implicated as a cofactor in AIDS, Rheumatoid Arthritis,

Respiratory Infection, and a host of other illnesses, including Chronic

Fatigue Syndrome.

How Can It Be Detected?

Because Mycoplasma is one of the few major pathogens

that can not be easily cultivated in vitro, conventional antibody tests

can't identify these organisms and they can go undetected for years. A new,

very sensitive testing method known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has

been developed that can detect Mycoplasma in the blood of the patient. This

method was developed by Immunosciences Lab., which remains one of only a few

locations where the PCR test can be done.

PCR test results are expressed as a number, which

allows researchers and clinicians to monitor disease progression and

evaluate the effect of drug therapy. Seven different species of Mycoplasma

have been associated with a variety of human infections.

Mycoplasma & CFS

Researchers have been especially interested in the

relationship between CFS and a particular Mycoplasma species, Mycoplasma

fermentans (ingognitus). A recent study found that 52% of CFS patients have

some kind of Mycoplasma infection, as compared to 15% of healthy people.

Specifically, the study revealed Mycoplasma fermentas in 34% of CFS patients

and only 8% of healthy people.

The researchers emphasize that these results should

not be construed to mean that Mycoplasma infection causes Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome. However, it may be a cofactor in compromosing the immune system

and allowing other agents to produce symptoms of CFS.

In addition, military forces returning from

Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield have reported a variety of health

problems. A disorder referred to as Gulf War Syndrome or Gulf War Illness

(GWI) has afflicted approximately 100,000 veterans and their families. Dr.

Garth Nicolson and other researchers and physicians have noted the

similarity between the symptoms of CFS/FMS and those of Gulf War Illness.

Studies using the PCR methodology have found a sizable number (32%) of

Mycoplasma fermentans infections among GWI sufferers. This evidence

indicates that M. fermentans may also be an important cofactor in the

illness of Persian Gulf War veterans.

Can Mycoplasma Be Treated?

In order to eliminate the pathogenic Mycoplasmas,

the human body needs a functional immune system, which most patients with

chronic illnesses do not have. Therefore, strategies to enhance the immune

system along with prolonged drug therapy may help. Some CFS/GWI sufferers

who test positive for M. fermentans have realized dramatic improvement with

long-term cycles of antibiotics. Since the organism resides deep in the

cells and has a long life cycle, antibiotic treatment can take several

months or years.

There are several antibiotics that researchers and

specialists recommend to treat Mycoplasma, but treatment commonly begins

with Doxycycline. Taking the medication orally works well for most

patients, whereas a few highly sensitive people may need to have antibiotics

given intravenously at first.

It is not yet known whether antibiotics are a cure

for Mycoplasma infections. Since M. fermentans has the ability to change

its cellular makeup with every cell division, it may be difficult for

readily available antibiotics to completely eliminate this organism from the

body.

If you want to explore the possibility of being

tested or treated for Mycoplasma infection, the following links will point

you to what you need to know.

Mycoplasma Links

CFS Radio w/ Dr. Nicolson

In this interview transcript, Dr. Garth Nicolson

from the Institute for Molecular Medicine explains Mycoplasma infection.

CFS Radio w/ Dr. Vodjani

An interview with Dr. Aristo Vodjani, Director of

Immunosciences Lab., outlines his research on mycoplasma and other

diagnostic tests for CFS.

Immunosciences Lab., Inc.

Lots of material on Mycoplasma and other immune

testing, with specific information for CFS/GWI patients.

Institute for Molecular Medicine

A wealth of information on Mycoplasma research,

including an extensive list of research related to CFS/GWI.

Mycoplasma Facts Vs. Fiction

An excellent discussion of the various species of

Mycoplasma infection and their role in CFS and other diseases.

Mycoplasma Information Package

Compiled by Sharon Briggs, a complete and detailed

guide for CFS/FMS sufferers that explains Mycoplasma testing and treatment;

includes a list of resources.

Scientific References

Available on PubMed, a list of citations for

Mycoplasma research; just click on the author to see the text of the

abstract.

Treatment For Mycoplasma Infections

From Dr. Garth Nicolson's extensive Web site,

everything you need to know about various forms of treatment.

Where to Get Blood Tests

A short list of the laboratories that conduct blood

tests for Mycoplasma fermentans (ingognitus).

It's important to keep in mind that the precise

nature and cause of CFS/FMS/GWI is still not known. It is quite likely that

the illness has many causative agents. Nevertheless, it may be worth trying

to treat the organisms that we can, and Mycoplasma can be treated. If

you're considering this option, it's important to discuss any new treatment

strategies with your doctor.

Lorden

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