World’s First Blood Test Developed for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Scientists have announced the development of the world’s first blood test capable of diagnosing myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), offering a potential breakthrough for the millions who suffer from the debilitating condition.

Currently, ME/CFS is diagnosed based on symptoms, leading to lengthy delays in diagnosis and often leaving patients feeling dismissed. Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Oxford Biodynamics (OBD) examined blood samples from 47 patients with severe ME/CFS and 61 healthy adults, identifying a unique pattern in those with the condition related to how DNA is folded. The test demonstrated 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity in the study, published yesterday in the Journal of Translational Medicine.

“ME/CFS is a serious and often disabling illness characterised by extreme fatigue that is not relieved by rest,” said Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy, from the UEA Norwich Medical School. “We wanted to see if we could develop a blood test to diagnose the condition – and we did. This is a significant step forward, for the first time, we have a simple blood test that can reliably identify ME/CFS – potentially transforming how we diagnose and manage this complex disease.” The research utilized “epigenetic” markers, which can change throughout a person’s life, unlike fixed genetic code, to achieve a high level of accuracy. Understanding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition of ME/CFS is crucial as diagnostic criteria evolve.

While hailed as a significant advancement, some experts urge caution, emphasizing the need for further validation. Dr Charles Shepherd, medical adviser for the ME Association, noted the importance of assessing the test’s accuracy in patients with early-stage and milder forms of the illness, as well as differentiating it from other conditions with similar symptoms. Prof Chris Ponting, chair of medical bioinformatics at the University of Edinburgh, suggested the claims were “premature” and estimated the test could cost around £1,000 if validated. Further research is planned to confirm these findings and assess the test’s broader applicability.

Researchers are now focused on conducting larger, independent studies to fully validate the test before it can be considered for widespread clinical use.