Ali Alharbi, Sulaiman · Saudi journal of biological sciences · 2020 · DOI
Researchers tested blood samples from 108 ME/CFS patients and found that about 20% contained unusually small bacteria that can pass through very fine filters. These tiny bacteria were also found in samples from children and hospital staff. The study suggests these ultrasmall bacteria may be present in ME/CFS patients, though it's unclear if they cause the illness.
Detection of filterable bacteria in ME/CFS patients' blood raises questions about potential infectious or pathogenic agents in ME/CFS, particularly given the prevalence (nearly 20%) in this cohort. If ultrasmall bacteria contribute to ME/CFS pathogenesis, this could open new avenues for diagnostic testing and targeted treatments, though confirmation in larger studies with appropriate controls is essential.
This study does not prove that filterable bacteria cause ME/CFS or that they are unique to ME/CFS patients—the presence of these bacteria in hospital staff and pediatric patients suggests they may be environmental contaminants or non-pathogenic commensals. The cross-sectional design and lack of healthy controls mean we cannot determine whether ME/CFS patients have higher rates of these bacteria than the general population, nor does the study establish causation or functional pathogenic role.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →
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