The CFS Gene

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote encouraging you to listen to a podcast about CFS on ABC National Radio. If you had a chance to listen to it, then you won’t be surprised by this post.

Scientists in Australia have identified 35 genes linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. What this means, is that the focus on researching a cure has narrowed tremendously (this is a good thing). In order to find a cure, we need to know what causes it.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney screened 30,000 genes in blood samples from 15 people known to have had infectious mononucleosis, which can lead to chronic fatigue. Thirty-five of those genes were expressed differently in those who recovered promptly from the illness to those who went on to suffer months of physical and or mental weakness.

The symptoms of pain and fatigue were found to be specifically linked to these 35 identified genes.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is currently treated by reducing symptoms. There is no cure. Currently we have to pick our most angry beast and try to quiet it. However, what these scientists in Australia have done, is take a really big step in finding a cause. What comes next??? Hopefully a blood test to determine whether a patient has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A single blood test. Then we can start thinking about a cure.

A very big step in the fight against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been taken. This is excellent news!

**Facts of this article provided by Bloomberg.com