Abstract
Background: It has been suggested that Herpes simplex virus (HSV) could play a role in the aetiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). An immune system that has been compromised, could account for HSV reactivating or infecting for the first time, and also being insufficiently under control in the body. Another consequence of inadequate control could be that several strains of HSV could simultaneously infect the body.
Objectives: To look for the presence of antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 in patients with CSF and in controls. The presence of antibodies to both types of HSV could reflect infection by multiple strains of HSV.
Methods: Antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 were measured in sera from 27 CSF patients and 26 age-and sex-matched controls. CFS was diagnosed using the CDC criteria.
Results: More CFS patients had antibodies to HSV-1, HSV-2 and both types simultaneously, than did the controls (all p < .019).
Conclusions: More CFS patients have antibodies to both HSV-1 and HSV-2 than do controls. The possibility that multiple strains could recombine to form more virulent strains or ones able to cause different forms of illness is discussed.