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MYCOPLASMA
While it is still not known what causes
CFS, FMS, and GWS, we are hearing of reports that a very high number (50-75%) test
positive for a pathogenic form of the organism called Mycoplasma. These organisms are a
pathogenic form of Mycoplasma which are very slow-growing, invasive into deeper parts of
the body (i.e., brain, central and peripheral nervous system, muscles and joints, bone
marrow, gastrointestinal system, lungs and heart, and the immune system, itself), and are
very difficult to treat.
SYMPTOMS
Those who test positive for Mycoplasma infection have symptoms that resemble CFS,
FMS, and GWS. They all have rather nonspecific but similar complex, multi-organ signs and
symptoms that overlap or are almost identical.
In the case of CFS, FMS and GWS these include: chronic fatigue, headaches, muscle pain and
soreness, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, joint pain and soreness, lymph node pain,
cognitive problems, depression, breathing problems and other signs and symptoms.
DIAGNOSIS
A test to identify the DNA of a live organism has been perfected. Since the
Mycoplasma organism resides with the host cell, usual antibody tests may be inadequate.
Several laboratories around the world have perfected the special test called a polymerase
chain reaction (PCR). Please see the Mycoplasma Resources
page for a listing of the laboratories currently performing this test and instructions on
how the test is best done.
TREATMENT
Those who test positive for active infection with a Mycoplasma are realizing a
tremendous improvement &/or recovery in their health with appropriate antibiotic
treatment. This treatment is long term (several years of continuous antibiotics). The
initial segment of the treatment can be difficult and the continuous antibiotic dose can
be harsh on the body. If left untreated, however, chronic persistent infection with
Mycoplasma can be far worse than the potential consequences of this treatment.
Since this form of treatment is so new for CFS, FMS and GWS, we are all involved in
research of a sort. Because of that, we need to keep in touch and share triumphs and
problems encountered. And, as we get well, we need to spread the word and help others. If
you test positive for the organism, please contact the Mycoplasma Registry (see Mycoplasma Resource Page). The Mycoplasma Registry is a
non-profit organization set up to track those who test positive. They have over 800 in the
registry thus far, and have compiled some excellent statistics. Approximately 85% of those
in the registry listing come from the CFS, FMS and MCS community! Of course, all listings
are confidential. The Mycoplasma Registry also maintains a chat group to enable daily
dialog with one another and with reseachers studying Mycoplasma.
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