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Microbiome imbalance linked to chronic fatigue syndrome

Researchers found abnormal levels of specific gut bacteria in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, including those with and without irritable bowel syndrome.

By Amy Wallace
Researchers at Columbia University report they found a link between abnormal levels of gut bacteria and chronic fatigue syndrome. Photo by DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay
Researchers at Columbia University report they found a link between abnormal levels of gut bacteria and chronic fatigue syndrome. Photo by DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay

April 26 (UPI) -- A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health has identified a link between imbalanced gut microbiome and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Researchers at the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health conducted the study, which showed abnormal levels of specific gut bacteria related to chronic fatigue syndrome with or without irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Roughly 90 percent of chronic fatigue syndrome patients also have IBS.

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The study of 50 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and 50 healthy controls were analyzed at four clinic sites, and tested for bacterial species in fecal matter and for immune molecules in blood samples.

"Our analysis suggests that we may be able to subtype patients with ME/CFS [chronic fatigue syndrome] by analyzing their fecal microbiome," Brent L. Williams, an assistant professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at the Center for Infection and Immunity, said in a press release.

The researchers report they found levels of Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Dorea, Coprococcus, Clostridium, Ruminococcus and Caprobacillus were linked to chronic fatigue syndrome.

The study also showed the severity of symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome correlated with the amount of distinct types of bacteria and metabolic pathways.

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"Much like IBS, ME/CFS [chronic fatigue syndrome] may involve a breakdown in the bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut mediated by bacteria, their metabolites, and the molecules they influence," W. Ian Lipkin, director of CII and professor of Epidemiology at the Mailman School, said in a press release. "By identifying the specific bacteria involved, we are one step closer to more accurate diagnosis and targeted therapies."

The study was published in the journal Microbiome.

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