IgM Serum Antibodies to Epstein-Barr Virus are Uniquely Present in a Subset of Patients with the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Background: A unique subset of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and IgM serum antibodies to cytomegalovirus (HCMV) non-structural gene products p52 and CM₂ (UL 44 and UL 57) has been described. Patients and Methods: Fifty-eight CFS patients and 68 non-CFS matched controls were studied. Serum antibodies to EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgM and EBV Early Antigen, diffuse (EA, D) as well HVCMV(V), IgM and IgG; VP (sucrose, density purified V); p52 and CM₂ IgM serum antibodies were assayed. Results: Mean age of CFS patients was 44 years (75% women). Control patients were 9 years older (73% women). Serum EBV VCA IgM positive antibody titers were identified in 33 CFS patients (Group A subset EBV VCA IgM 62.3±8.3, neg.<20), but were not present in other CFS patients, (Group B subset EBV VCA IgM 6.8±0.7) controls (p<0.0001). EBV VCA IgM titers remained positive in CFS patients from Group A for 24-42 months. Conclusion: Serum antibody to EBV VCA IgM may be a specific diagnostic test for a second subset of CFS patients.