Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Antiviral and Antibacterial Drugs
The role pathogens play in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is controversial. Although the disease is often triggered by an infection some researchers believe the triggering infection is simply the last stressor that tipped the patient over into disease.Others believe that undiagnosed and untreated infections from pathogens such as HHV-6A, Borrelia (Lyme disease), and enteroviruses are causing the disease.
Still others believe that endocrine and immune dysfunctions caused early in the disease set the stage for latent viruses to reactivate themselves. While these viruses may or may not cause chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) they could exacerbate its symptoms greatly.
Given the wide variety of ME/CFS patients it's possible that all the above scenario's are correct. In some cases the 'last infection' simply was the straw that broke the camels back. In others an undiagnosed active infection is others ill. A good deal of evidence also suggests it's not uncommon for chronic fatigue syndrome patients to display increased 'loads' of common pathogens.
This field, like so much else in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is still in flux. Click on the antiviral drugs below to learn more about their role in ME/CFS.
- Amantadine
- Azithromycin
- Interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaseron,
Actimmune)
- IgG Immunoglobulins (IVIG)
- Nexavir (formerly Kutapressin)
- Valcyte (Valganciclovir)
- Valtrex (Valcyclovir)
The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman with ME/CFS. It is not a substitute for a physician and is for informational uses only. It does not present complete information on this drug. Please discuss any treatments
in these pages with your doctor.