Viral Infection and the Gut Microbiome in ME/CFS
Aim and Approach
The research focuses on the relationship between viruses, the gut microbiome, and the gut barrier in people with ME/CFS. Researchers will examine how active viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpesviruses (HHV-6 and HHV-7) are, and how this relates to bacteria and viruses in the gut. They will also investigate whether the gut barrier functions differently in people with ME/CFS compared with healthy individuals.
For this purpose, blood, saliva, and stool samples will be collected. DNA analysis will be used to identify viruses and bacteria in the gut. Researchers will also measure biomarkers to assess the integrity of the gut barrier. In the laboratory, a gut model will be used in which intestinal cells are exposed to the microbiome of people with and without ME/CFS. This will allow researchers to investigate how the gut barrier and the immune system respond.
Expected results
The researchers expect that a disrupted gut microbiome and active viruses may together contribute to ME/CFS symptoms. The findings could lead to new biological markers and potential treatment approaches, such as antiviral therapies or faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to restore gut health.
