Tag: sore throat

The Potential Role of Ocular and Otolaryngological Mucus Proteins in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract:

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating illness associated with a constellation of other symptoms. While the most common symptom is unrelenting fatigue, many individuals also report suffering from rhinitis, dry eyes and a sore throat.

Mucin proteins are responsible for contributing to the formation of mucosal membranes throughout the body. These mucosal pathways contribute to the body’s defense mechanisms involving pathogenic onset. When compromised by pathogens the epithelium releases numerous cytokines and enters a prolonged state of inflammation to eradicate any particular infection.

Based on genetic analysis, and computational theory and modeling we hypothesize that mucin protein dysfunction may contribute to ME/CFS symptoms due to the inability to form adequate mucosal layers throughout the body, especially in the ocular and otolaryngological pathways leading to low grade chronic inflammation and the exacerbation of symptoms.

Source: Kaylin Huitsing, Tara Tritsch, Francisco J. Carrera Arias et al. The Potential Role of Ocular and Otolaryngological Mucus Proteins in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 24 July 2023, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square [https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3171709/v1] https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3171709/v1 (Full text)

 

The existence of a fatigue syndrome after glandular fever

Abstract:

This prospective cohort study was designed to test whether a distinct fatigue syndrome existed after the onset of glandular fever.

Two hundred and fifty primary care patients, with either glandular fever or an ordinary upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) were interviewed three times in the 6 months after the clinical onset of their infection. At each interview a standardized psychiatric interview was given and physical symptoms were assessed. There were 108 subjects with and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection; 83 subjects had glandular fever not caused by EBV and 54 subjects had an ordinary URTI. Five subjects were excluded because they had no evidence of an infection.

Principal components analyses of symptoms supported the existence of a fatigue syndrome, particularly in the two glandular fever groups. The addition of symptoms not elicited by the standard interviews gave the full syndrome. This included physical and mental fatigue, excessive sleep, psychomotor retardation, poor concentration, anhedonia, irritability, social withdrawal, emotional lability, and transient sore throat and neck gland swelling with pain. A fatigue syndrome probably exists after glandular fever.

 

Source: White PD, Thomas JM, Amess J, Grover SA, Kangro HO, Clare AW. The existence of a fatigue syndrome after glandular fever. Psychol Med. 1995 Sep;25(5):907-16. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8588009

 

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus in patients with chronic fatigue

Abstract:

Patients with chronic fatigue as a major complaint frequently present with recurrent sore throat, and on physical examination they have hyperemia and lymphoid hyperplasia of the pharyngeal area.

Pharyngeal scrapings were obtained from 41 such patients and analyzed for Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus DNA by colorimetric in situ hybridization. Results were compared with healthy control subjects matched for age and sex. Epstein-Barr virus-DNA was detected more frequently in male patients, 5/9 (55.6%), than controls, 0/6 (0%), but there was no difference in frequency in female patients, 4/32 (12.5%), than control subjects, 1/29 (3.4%).

Cytomegalovirus-DNA was detected infrequently in patients and controls, 13% versus 22% respectively. The presence of EBV-DNA did not correlate with antibody titers nor with the complaint of sore throat. Four of the five males who had positive EBV-DNA in the pharyngeal smears have now recovered.

 

Source: Wray BB, Gaughf C, Chandler FW Jr, Berry SS, Latham JE, Wood L, DuRant RH. Detection of Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus in patients with chronic fatigue. Ann Allergy. 1993 Sep;71(3):223-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8396863