title: Myalgic encephalomyelitis--a persistent enteroviral infection?
abstract: Myalgic encephalomyelitis is a common disability but frequently misinterpreted. Amongst 6,000 patients referred for general microbiological diagnosis between 1975 and 1987, 420 cases were recognized. Coxsackie B neutralization tests, in 205 of these, demonstrated significant titres in 103/205 (50%), while of 124 additionally investigated for enteroviral IgM, 38/124 (31%) were positive. This illness is distinguished from a variety of other post-viral states by an unique clinical and epidemiological pattern characteristic of enteroviral infection. Prompt recognition and advice to avoid over-exertion is mandatory. Routine diagnosis, specific therapy and prevention, await further technical advances.
authors.affiliation: Basildon Hospital, Essex, UK.
authors.forename: E G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Dowsett
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Ramsay
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: McCartney
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Bell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004770:Enterovirus / Q000276:immunology; D029822:Enterovirus B, Human / Q000276:immunology; D004769:Enterovirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009500:Neutralization Tests
chemical_list: D007075:Immunoglobulin M