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Chronic fatigue syndrome linked to lower levels of some gut bacteria

People with chronic fatigue syndrome have less of a kind of gut bacteria that produces inflammation-fighting molecules, suggesting a possible target for new treatments

By Grace Wade

8 February 2023

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii bacteria, illustration - Image ID: W0YJBD (RF)

Decreases in the amount of F. prausnitzii bacteria in the gut may play a role in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

Science Photo Library/Alamy

People recently diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome – also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS – have distinct differences in their gut microbiomes compared with people without the condition, suggesting that disruptions in gut bacteria may be related to the disease’s onset.

ME/CFS is a chronic disease affecting an estimated 17 million people worldwide. Symptoms include persistent fatigue, brain fog, pain and gastrointestinal complications. It is still unclear what causes the…

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