British scientists from Oxford University have developed a new method for diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The patient’s blood test detects the presence of the disease with 91% accuracy. To work published In the scientific journal Advanced Science.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. Patients with CFS constantly feel weakness and fatigue, which do not disappear even after a good and long sleep. Early diagnosis of the disease will allow people to cope more effectively with the condition, which drains energy and weakens their ability to think.
Scientists turned their attention to a special type of blood cell called peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Previous studies have shown that these cells reduce energy production in people with CFS.
The team examined more than 2,000 cells in samples from 98 patients, analyzing the molecular vibrations of individual elements. Experts obtained spectra reflecting changes at the level of intracellular metabolism.
The test not only detected the presence of CFS in the vast majority of cases, but also made it possible to distinguish patients according to the severity of the syndrome with an accuracy of 84%.
Previous scientists discoveredthat chronic fatigue syndrome can occur due to viruses.