Breitschwerdt et al. (2026)
- Authors: Edward B. Breitschwerdt, Ricardo G. Maggi, Janice C. Bush, Emily Kingston
- Institutes: College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Publisher: Pathogens (MDPI)
- Link: DOI
Summary
This research reveals a high prevalence of vector-borne infections in a subset of ME/CFS patients, suggesting that specialized testing for Bartonella and Babesia is clinically relevant for those with neurological symptoms. The findings indicate that nearly half of the participants carried these difficult-to-detect pathogens. This provides a foundation for investigating whether targeted antimicrobial treatments could offer symptom relief for a significant portion of this patient population.
What was researched?
This study investigated the prevalence of Babesia and Bartonella species DNA in individuals suffering from chronic fatigue and concurrent neurological symptoms.
Why was it researched?
Researchers sought to determine if persistent infections with these vector-borne “stealth” pathogens could be linked to the complex symptoms of ME/CFS.
How was it researched?
Blood and enrichment cultures from 50 participants with fatigue lasting six months to 19 years were analyzed using highly sensitive qPCR and DNA sequencing.
What has been found?
Infection was confirmed in 46% of participants, with Babesia species detected in 24% and Bartonella species in 26% of the cohort. Specific identified pathogens included Bartonella henselae, Babesia odocoilei, and Babesia divergens-like MO-1.
Discussion
Limitations of the study include a small sample size and the lack of a healthy control group, which prevents the establishment of a causal relationship.
Conclusion & Future Work
The results suggest these pathogens may be significant cofactors in ME/CFS, warranting larger case-control studies using sensitive detection methods.