InFocus, Vol.10, No.1, March 2002

 Research on the immune system could shed light on the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), including whether a pathogenic agent, such as a virus or bacteria, is involved. This was one conclusion reached by a panel of experts that convened for the third in a series of scientific symposia on CFS. The symposium was sponsored by The Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) Association of America, the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women Health (ORWH).

     A number of studies have suggested involvement of the immune system in CFS. New findings include the discovery of autoantibodies in CFS patients, which has led to increased speculation that the illness may be an autoimmune disorder. Because many cases of CFS begin with a flu or mono-like illness, viruses, bacteria, and toxins have also been studied as possible causes.

     The Centers for Disease Control has defined CFS as "persistent or relapsing fatigue lasting longer than six months that is unexplained by any other physical disorder."

     Ron Hunninghake, M.D., of the Olive Garvey Center for Healing Arts, in Wichita, Kansas, says that CFS is "a distinctly uncommon fatigue." It has the outward appearance of chronic fatigue, which generally can be alleviated by rebalancing fatiguing situations--getting more sleep, improving the diet, etc. But, as Dr. Hunninghake points out, CFS does not respond to the typical means of alleviating tiredness.

     According to the CFIDS Association, CFS is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue, pain, and cognitive problems that are not improved by bed rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity.

     "The immune system may provide important clues to CFS, but it cannot be studied in isolation," says Kimberly Kenney, President and CEO of The CFIDS Association of America. "A new emphasis on multidisciplinary research to explore links between the immune, neuroendocrine,and cardiovascular systems in CFS is crucial to developing a better understanding of this complex illness." --Sources: CFIDS Association of America; and Health Hunter, newsletter of the Olive Garvey Center for Healing Arts