Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma is a genus of bacteria that has been associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Background
The Mycoplasma genus consists of large number of species, many of which are known to infect humans. There are standard documented diseases such as atypical pneumonia that can be caused by Mycoplasma. There are then a further number of diseases eg, Gulf War Illness, rheumatoid arthritis, which have been speculatively associated with Mycoplasma.

Pneumonia
In the medical community Mycoplasma is most often associated with the specific species Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In human diseases, this species generally manifests as an acute respiratory infection. The severity of this infection can range from mild to a more serious pneumonia. Normally the condition will subside after a course of antibiotics.

Research
A small number of published studies have shown an increased prevalence of Mycoplasma species in individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as compared to healthy controls. These studies consider Mycoplasma pneumoniae as well as another specific species of Mycoplasma known as Mycoplasma fermentans.

Independent work by Dr. Garth Nicolson has found similar prevalence and symptom patterns and with Gulf War Illness (GWI) and fibromyalgia (FM).

A later study by another group was unable to replicate similar findings in 34 patients. Limitations of the patient selection and detection method were raised of the previous studies.

Diagnosis
Mycoplasma species are detectable by PCR testing. Private laboratories provide such services. The outcomes of such services may have not independent verification and may vary between laboratories.

Treatment
Long term antibiotics such as doxycycline and azithromycin may be effective for suspected cases of chronic Mycoplasma infection in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. There are no significant publications on such protocols.