IgM serum antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus are uniquely present in a subset of patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome.

[Guest guest]

-

IgM serum antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus are uniquely present in a

subset of patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome.

Journal: In Vivo. 2004 Mar-Apr;18(2):101-6.

Authors: Lerner AM, Beqaj SH, Deeter RG, Fitzgerald JT.

Affiliation: Department of Medicine, Beaumont Hospital and Wayne

State University School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA.

mailto:lerner@...

NLM Citation: PMID: 15113035

BACKGROUND: A unique subset of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

(CFS) and IgM serum antibodies to cytomegalovirus (HCMV) non-structural

gene products p52 and CM2 (UL 44 and UL 57) has been described.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight CFS patients and 68 non-CFS matched

controls were studied. Serum antibodies to EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA)

IgM and EBV Early Antigen, diffuse (EA, D) as well HVCMV(V), IgM and IgG;

VP (sucrose, density purified V); p52 and CM2 IgM serum antibodies were

assayed.

RESULTS: Mean age of CFS patients was 44 years (75% women). Control

patients were 9 years older (73% women). Serum EBV VCA IgM positive

antibody titers were identified in 33 CFS patients (Group A subset EBV

VCA IgM 62.3+/-8.3, neg. <20), but were not present in other CFS

patients, (Group B subset EBV VCA IgM 6.8+/-0.7) controls (p<0.0001). EBV

VCA IgM titers remained positive in CFS patients from Group A for 24-42

months.

CONCLUSION: Serum antibody to EBV VCA IgM may be a specific diagnostic

test for a second subset of CFS patients.

------ End of Forwarded Message