Does the microbiome and virome contribute to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?
Newberry, Fiona, Hsieh, Shen-Yuan, Wileman, Tom et al. · Clinical science (London, England : 1979) · 2018 · DOI
Quick Summary
This review examines whether changes in the bacteria living in our gut and the viruses that affect those bacteria might contribute to ME/CFS. While previous studies have focused mainly on bacterial changes, this paper points out that viruses—especially those that attack bacteria—are equally important to understand. The authors explain that inconsistencies between different microbiome studies make it hard to draw clear conclusions, and call for more standardized research methods.
Why It Matters
This review identifies a critical gap in ME/CFS microbiome research by emphasizing that viruses—not just bacteria—likely play important roles in the disease. By highlighting the lack of consistency between studies, it makes a strong case for developing better research standards that could lead to more reliable discoveries about what causes ME/CFS and how to treat it.
Observed Findings
Multiple microbiome studies have identified dysbiosis (bacterial imbalances) in ME/CFS patients
Bacteriophages and other viruses have been largely overlooked in microbiome research on ME/CFS
Significant methodological variations exist across studies in patient selection, diagnostic criteria, sample processing, and analysis
Viruses can alter microbiome structure and function through gene transfer and bacterial lysis
Current inconsistencies between studies prevent reliable cross-study comparisons and conclusions
Inferred Conclusions
The virome deserves equal research attention to the bacterial microbiome in understanding ME/CFS pathogenesis
Lack of standardized protocols significantly limits the validity and comparability of microbiome findings
Adoption of robust, reproducible, and consistent study design is essential for future microbiome research in ME/CFS
Comprehensive microbiome investigation must include both bacterial and viral components to fully understand disease mechanisms
Remaining Questions
What specific bacteriophages or other viruses are altered in ME/CFS and how do they functionally impact the bacterial microbiome?
What This Study Does Not Prove
This review does not establish that microbiome or virome changes actually cause ME/CFS, only that alterations exist in affected patients. It does not provide new experimental data proving mechanisms of viral-bacterial interactions in disease pathogenesis. The inconsistencies noted between studies mean current evidence cannot yet confirm specific microbiome features as diagnostic biomarkers or treatment targets.