New blood test could diagnose serious condition patients are told is 'in their head'

Researchers at the University of East Anglia and Oxford Biodynamics have developed a blood test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. The debilitating illness impacts roughly 400,000 people across the UK and millions worldwide, yet lacks dependable diagnostic methods.

This groundbreaking blood test could offer fresh hope to those battling the condition, which is frequently misunderstood and incorrectly diagnosed. The discovery may also open the door for developing a comparable blood test for long Covid.

At present, receiving a chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis through the NHS may require patients to undergo blood or urine examinations to rule out other ailments, such as anaemia, underactive thyroid, or liver issues. The NHS explains: "It can take a while for ME/CFS to be diagnosed because other conditions with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first."

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Lead researcher Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "ME/CFS is a serious and often disabling illness characterised by extreme fatigue that is not relieved by rest. We know that some patients report being ignored or even told that their illness is 'all in their head'.

"With no definitive tests, many patients have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. We wanted to see if we could develop a blood test to diagnose the condition – and we did! Our discovery offers the potential for a simple, accurate blood test to help confirm a diagnosis, which could lead to earlier support and more effective management."

The scientists utilised cutting-edge EpiSwitch 3D Genomics technology from Oxford BioDynamics to examine how DNA is arranged in blood samples and found that people with the condition display a distinctive pattern that isn't present in healthy people. It's these variations that the new blood test searches for, with reportedly 92 per cent accuracy in detecting people with chronic fatigue and 98 per cent accuracy in ruling out those that don't have it.

The researchers also identified immune system and inflammation pathways that could play a role in the disease. It's anticipated that this breakthrough will help steer future treatments and determine which patients are more likely to respond to particular therapies.

Prof Pshezhetskiy added: "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. Additionally, understanding the biological pathways involved in ME/CFS opens the door to developing targeted treatments and identifying which patients might benefit most from specific therapies.

"We hope that the Episwitch CFS test could become a vital tool in clinical settings, paving the way for more personalised and effective care."

The NHS has stated that while there is currently no known cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, there are treatments available to help manage the condition and alleviate certain symptoms. These include cognitive behavioural therapy, advice on managing energy levels, and medication to control symptoms such as pain and sleep disturbances.

The four main symptoms of the condition are:

• Feeling extremely tired all the time
• Sleep problems like insomnia or stiffness in the morning
• Issues with thinking, concentration, and memory
• Worsening symptoms after physical or mental activity that can take weeks to improve

The health service has noted: "Living with ME/CFS can be difficult. Extreme tiredness and other physical symptoms can make it hard to carry out everyday activities. You may have to make some major lifestyle changes.

"ME/CFS can also affect your mental and emotional health, and have a negative effect on your self-esteem. ME Association is a charity that provides information, support and practical advice for people affected by the condition."