At the bottom of this page, you can register for research on ME/CFS and other post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS).
For the study, you will visit Amsterdam UMC or Radboud UMC in Nijmegen. If you are unable to travel to the hospital, a home visit may sometimes be possible.
Do you live more than 65 km from the hospital? If so, we may invite you to participate at a later stage. If you are willing to travel more than 65 km, please let us know.
How does the study work?
Below, the study process is explained in five steps. If you have any questions afterwards, please feel free to contact us. You can also visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
Step 1: Can I participate?
To determine whether you are eligible to participate, we ask you to complete a questionnaire. In this questionnaire, we look at several criteria, including the following:
- You live in the Netherlands and speak Dutch
- You are between 18 and 65 years old
- Your BMI islower than 40
- You are not pregnant and have not breastfed in the past 12 months
For patients:
- You have been diagnosed by a docter with ME/CVS, post-COVID, Q-koorts, Lyme or multiple sclerose
- You do not have another serious medical condition
You are not using medication that suppresses the immune system
For healthy participants (control group):
- You are healthy and do not have a serious medical condition (control group)
Step 2: Conversation with the nurse
If you are eligible to participate, we will contact you by phone to schedule a conversation with the research nurse. During this conversation, you will receive more information, have the opportunity to ask questions, and we will schedule your study visit.
Step 3: Preparation for the study
After the call, the nurse will send you three things:
1) An email with a link to an online questionnaire about your symptoms. You can complete this questionnaire at your own pace.
2) The same e-mail will contain an informed consent form for the study. Read this carefully.
3) A sample kit by post to collect a stool sample
Step 4: The study
After that, you will visit the hospital for the study. The research nurse you spoke with earlier will carry out several measurements and take a blood sample. This helps us gain more insight into your health.
If you are unable to travel, the research nurse can visit you at home. During a home visit, not all measurements will be performed. The study procedures will be adjusted to what is feasible for you.
Step 5: Online questionnaire and test
After the visit, you will receive an email with a link to a questionnaire and an online test.
This test measures memory, attention, and reaction speed.