Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS):
Antiviral and Antibacterial Treatments
The role pathogens play in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is
controversial. Although the disease is often triggered by an infection some
researchers believe the triggering
infection is simply the last stressor that tipped the patient over into
disease.
Others believe that undiagnosed and untreated infections from pathogens such
as EBV, HHV-6A, Enteroviruses, Borrelia (Lyme disease), and others are playing
a major role in the disease.
Still others believe that endocrine and immune dysfunctions caused early in
the disease set the stage for latent viruses to reactivate themselves. While
these viruses may or may not cause chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) they
could exacerbate its symptoms greatly.
Given the wide variety of ME/CFS patients it's possible that all the above
scenario's are
correct. In some cases the 'last infection' simply was the straw that broke
the camels back. In others an undiagnosed active infection is making others ill. A good deal of evidence also suggests it's not uncommon for chronic fatigue syndrome
patients to display increased 'loads' of opportunistic pathogens .
Whatever the scenario, antivirals have worked very well for some patients,
worked somewhat well in others, and not at all in others more about their role
in ME/CFS
Dig Deeper: Check out the "/Conf/HHV6PtI.aspx">
Symposium on Viruses in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for more information
on pathogens and antivirals
Dig Deeper: Check out the
two-part interview with Dr. Chia on enteroviruses and
ME/CFS
Dig Deeper: Forum
on Antivirals and Immunemodulators Now Open on Phoenix Rising
The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman
with ME/CFS.
It is not a substitute for a
physician and is for informational uses only. It does not present complete
information on this drug. Please discuss any treatments
in these pages with your doctor.