A New Blood Test for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Sparks Controversy
Scientists have announced the development of a groundbreaking blood test for chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). The test claims to identify the condition with 96% accuracy, offering hope to millions of patients who have struggled for years to receive a diagnosis. However, the claim has sparked immediate debate among researchers, with some calling it “another false dawn.”
Until now, diagnosing ME has been based on symptom assessment and ruling out other conditions. The new test, developed by researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Oxford BioDynamics, uses a technology called EpiSwitch 3D Genomics to detect unique epigenetic patterns in the blood. These patterns are said to be present only in individuals with ME.
The study, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, involved analyzing blood samples from 47 patients with severe ME and 61 healthy volunteers. The model created by the researchers can distinguish between the two groups with 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity.
Lead researcher Professor Dmitry Pshezhetskiy emphasized the potential of the test, stating that it could lead to earlier support and more effective management of the condition. He noted that many patients have faced skepticism and misdiagnosis due to the lack of definitive tests.
Oxford BioDynamics’ chief scientific officer, Alexandre Akoulitchev, highlighted the importance of using epigenetic markers, which can change during a person’s life, unlike fixed genetic code. He added that the same technology has already been used to create practical, rapid blood diagnostics accessible at scale.
However, some experts have urged caution. They argue that the small study size and the lack of comparison with other conditions such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or depression make the claims premature.
Dr. Charles Shepherd, medical adviser for The ME Association, acknowledged the significance of the research but stressed the need for further validation. He pointed out that the abnormality must be consistently present in early stages of ME/CFS and not present in other chronic conditions with similar symptoms.
Dr. Alastair Miller, a retired infectious disease consultant, expressed concerns about the high accuracy claims. He warned that the results might not translate well to real-world clinical practice, potentially raising unrealistic expectations for patients.
Professor Chris Ponting, chair of medical bioinformatics at the University of Edinburgh, emphasized the need for fully validated studies before considering the test for clinical use. He also mentioned the potential cost, estimating it at around £1,000.
Professor Kevin McConway, an applied statistician at The Open University, noted that the research is an interesting development but cautioned against overestimating its current effectiveness. He stressed that the study was a proof-of-concept, aimed at determining whether the approach could be useful.
Chronic fatigue syndrome/ME affects an estimated 400,000 people in the UK and up to 30 million worldwide. It is most common in women and typically develops between the ages of 25 and 50. Symptoms include overwhelming fatigue, post-exertional malaise, muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances, headaches, and cognitive issues known as “brain fog.”
Many sufferers are unable to work, and around one in four are severely affected, becoming housebound or bed-bound. There is no known cure, and treatment focuses on pacing, symptom control, and support with daily activities.
Well-known sufferers include comedian Miranda Hart, who revealed in her autobiography that the illness left her “bedbound and without joy.”
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