ME illness caused by virus, not in the mind: Experts

LONDON - Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) is a crippling condition, caused by a virus and is not ‘all in the mind’, claim scientists.

Previously, doctors dismissed these symptoms as being in the patient’s mind, reports the Daily Mail.

But lately several studies have shown that the illness, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, could be caused by a virus, according to the journal of Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

ME which afflicts adults and children alike, causes flu-like symptoms. Patients feel constantly exhausted with headaches, a sore throat and muscle pain.

Now scientists have found that children suffering from ME have the same abnormalities in their blood, which could indicate their body is fighting off an infection.

The study, carried out at the University of Dundee, Scotland, took blood samples from 50 youngsters aged between seven and 14 years, half of whom had ME.

They found that the blood of those with the illness contained higher proportions of free radicals - harmful molecules that damage cells, tissues and organs.

Prof Jill Belch, expert in vascular medicine at Ninewells hospital in Dundee, who led the project, said: “What we’ve found are blood changes that suggest chronic inflammation.”

Neil Abbot of ME Research UK, which co-funded the study, said it was “fascinating to discover evidence of a persistent or reactivating viral infection”.

“Although the cause of ME is unknown, more than half of all patients say their illness started with an infection,” he said.

“The study undoubtedly adds greater scientific weight to the existence of a condition which, sadly, many still fail to acknowledge in spite of its severity,” he said.