What is the most commonly proposed infectious trigger for myalgic encephalomyelitis?

What is the most commonly proposed infectious trigger for myalgic encephalomyelitis?

• A. Influenza
• B. EBV
• C. HIV
• D. CMV

Answer: (B)

ME/CFS often starts after a viral illness, and Epstein-Barr virus is the one most frequently linked to its onset. EBV, the virus behind infectious mononucleosis, has a long history in observations and studies showing that people often develop ME/CFS after a mono-like illness. EBV is also a ubiquitous virus that can cause lasting changes in immune function, which fits with the post-viral fatigue and other symptoms seen in ME/CFS. While other infections like influenza, CMV, and HIV have been proposed as triggers, the association with EBV has the strongest and most consistent historical evidence, making it the best-supported infectious trigger.

ME/CFS often starts after a viral illness, and Epstein-Barr virus is the one most frequently linked to its onset. EBV, the virus behind infectious mononucleosis, has a long history in observations and studies showing that people often develop ME/CFS after a mono-like illness. EBV is also a ubiquitous virus that can cause lasting changes in immune function, which fits with the post-viral fatigue and other symptoms seen in ME/CFS. While other infections like influenza, CMV, and HIV have been proposed as triggers, the association with EBV has the strongest and most consistent historical evidence, making it the best-supported infectious trigger.