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Mycoplasma blood infection in chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes

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Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are characterised by a lack of consistent laboratory and clinical abnormalities. Although they are distinguishable as separate syndromes based on established criteria, a great number of patients are diagnosed with both. In studies using polymerase chain reaction methods, mycoplasma blood infection has been detected in about 50% of patients with CFS and/or FMS, including patients with Gulf War illnesses and symptoms that overlap with one or both syndromes. Such infection is detected in only about 10% of healthy individuals, significantly less than in patients. Most patients with CFS/FMS who have mycoplasma infection appear to recover and reach their pre-illness state after long-term antibiotic therapy with doxycycline, and the infection can not be detected after recovery. By means of causation and therapy, mycoplasma blood infection may permit a further subclassification of CFS and FMS. It is not clear whether mycoplasmas are associated with CFS/FMS as causal agents, cofactors, or opportunistic infections in patients with immune disturbances. Whether mycoplasma infection can be detected in about 50% of all patient populations with CFS and/or FMS is yet to be determined.

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  1. Department of Rheumatology, The National Hospital, University of Oslo, Forskningsvn. 2-Block B, 0027, Oslo, Norway

    Gerhard K. M. Endresen

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Correspondence to Gerhard K. M. Endresen.

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Endresen, G.K.M. Mycoplasma blood infection in chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes. Rheumatol Int 23, 211–215 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-003-0355-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-003-0355-7

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