Stressed Blood Cells Could Be a Biomarker for Chronic Fatigue

In a small study, researchers devise a test that could distinguish healthy people from those with the syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Written byShawna Williams

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ABOVE: A diagnostic device for ME/CFS that measures changes in electrical impedance in blood cells
R. ESFANDYARPOUR

A distinguishing characteristic of the disease myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome appears to be the electrical response of patients’ blood cells when under stress, researchers report today (April 29) in PNAS. The team hopes the finding will speed diagnoses for people with the condition and facilitate research on it.

The University of California, San Diego’s Robert Naviaux, a genetics professor who was not involved in the research, tells the San Francisco Chronicle, “It’s a major milestone. If it holds up in larger numbers, this could be a transformative advance.”

Up to 2.5 million Americans are thought to have myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), whose symptoms can include severe fatigue that isn’t explained by exertion, pain, and difficulties concentrating or remembering. It is currently diagnosed based on symptoms, as no biomarker for it exists.

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Meet the Author

Shawna Williams
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Shawna was an editor at The Scientist from 2017 through 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Colorado College and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Previously, she worked as a freelance editor and writer, and in the communications offices of several academic research institutions. As news director, Shawna assigned and edited news, opinion, and in-depth feature articles for the website on all aspects of the life sciences. She is based in central Washington State, and is a member of the Northwest Science Writers Association and the National Association of Science Writers.
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