Autoimmunity in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

This study investigates whether there is an immune response directed against gut microbes or food and parts of the body in severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) patients.

Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) patients will be identified by Epsom and St Helier CFS Service and the Clinical Research Network Eastern. Information sheets will be posted by health professionals to eligible patients. Interested patients are asked to arrange a telephone call with the research team to receive more information about the study. Volunteers still interested after the 72 hour consideration period arrange a home visit to be taken through the consenting process. Household controls will be recruited through patients participating in the study. Patients invited will be provided with information about household controls. The patient identifies and informs potential household controls of the study using information sheets provided by their health professional. Household controls willing to participate in the study will be taken through an eligibility questionnaire with GCP trained researchers. Six stool and blood samples will be collected over the three year study period. Stool and blood samples need to be collected within 24 hours of each other, during home visits. 48 hour food diaries will be completed prior to each stool sample collection. The study is based at the Quadram Institute and the University of East Anglia (UEA). The research is funded by the UEA and Invest in ME Research UK.