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. 1990 Jul;66(777):526–530. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.66.777.526

Myalgic encephalomyelitis--a persistent enteroviral infection?

E G Dowsett 1, A M Ramsay 1, R A McCartney 1, E J Bell 1
PMCID: PMC2429637  PMID: 2170962

Abstract

Myalgic encephalomyelitis is a common disability but frequently misinterpreted. Amongst 6,000 patients referred for general microbiological diagnosis between 1975 and 1987, 420 cases were recognized. Coxsackie B neutralization tests, in 205 of these, demonstrated significant titres in 103/205 (50%), while of 124 additionally investigated for enteroviral IgM, 38/124 (31%) were positive. This illness is distinguished from a variety of other post-viral states by an unique clinical and epidemiological pattern characteristic of enteroviral infection. Prompt recognition and advice to avoid over-exertion is mandatory. Routine diagnosis, specific therapy and prevention, await further technical advances.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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