<i>Babesia</i> and <i>Bartonella</i> Species DNA in Blood and Enrichment Blood Cultures from People with Chronic Fatigue and Concurrent Neurological Symptoms. — CFSMEATLAS
Babesia and Bartonella Species DNA in Blood and Enrichment Blood Cultures from People with Chronic Fatigue and Concurrent Neurological Symptoms.
Breitschwerdt, Edward B, Maggi, Ricardo G, Bush, Janice C et al. · Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025 · DOI
Quick Summary
This study looked for two types of bacteria—Babesia and Bartonella—in the blood of 50 people with ME/CFS and neurological symptoms. Researchers used special DNA tests to detect these bacteria. They found that about 24% of participants had Babesia infection and 26% had Bartonella infection, suggesting these bacteria might play a role in some ME/CFS cases.
Why It Matters
This research addresses a long-standing clinical observation that some ME/CFS patients may have concurrent tick-borne infections, potentially explaining a subset of ME/CFS cases. If Babesia or Bartonella contribute to ME/CFS symptoms in some patients, identifying and treating these infections could lead to improved outcomes for affected individuals. The study provides preliminary evidence justifying further investigation into infection-associated ME/CFS.
Observed Findings
12 of 50 participants (24%) tested positive for Babesia species DNA
13 of 50 participants (26%) tested positive for Bartonella species DNA
2 participants had concurrent infection with both Babesia and Bartonella species
All study participants reported fatigue lasting 6 months to 19 years and at least one neurological symptom
Inferred Conclusions
Babesia and Bartonella species infections may play a role in ME/CFS presentations in some patients
The combined prevalence of these two pathogens in ME/CFS patients warrants further investigation
Prospective case-control studies with sensitive pathogen detection are needed to clarify the relationship between these infections and ME/CFS
Remaining Questions
How do infection rates in this ME/CFS cohort compare to infection rates in age-matched healthy controls or non-ME/CFS patient populations?
Do patients with confirmed Babesia or Bartonella infection show different symptom patterns, severity, or treatment responses compared to ME/CFS patients without these infections?
What is the temporal relationship between infection and ME/CFS symptom onset—do these infections precede, coincide with, or follow the development of ME/CFS?
What This Study Does Not Prove
This study does not prove that Babesia or Bartonella cause ME/CFS, nor does it establish that these infections are necessary or sufficient for ME/CFS development. Without a control group of healthy individuals or those with other conditions, the study cannot determine whether these infection rates are higher in ME/CFS patients than in the general population. The cross-sectional design establishes association only, not causation.
Tags
Symptom:Fatigue
Biomarker:Blood Biomarker
Phenotype:Infection-Triggered
Method Flag:PEM Not DefinedWeak Case DefinitionNo ControlsSmall SampleExploratory Only