Chronic fatigue syndrome linked to almost 200 genetic variants

In a study of more than 2300 people with chronic fatigue syndrome, 91 per cent had these genetic variants, in a discovery that could improve diagnosis and treatment

By David Cox

Scientists have discovered possible genetic risk factors involved in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

ME/CFS is a poorly understood condition characterised by persistent fatigue and brain fog. It is thought to affect around 17 million people worldwide.

To better understand its cause, Steve Gardner at UK biotechnology company PrecisionLife and his colleagues analysed DNA samples from 2382 participants of the UK Biobank study, all of whom had …