Amy Proal

Amy Danielle Proal, PhD, is a microbiologist who researches the role of the human microbiome and human virome in chronic inflammatory disease. Proal works at the PolyBio Research Foundation, California.

Notable studies

• 2013, Immunostimulation in the treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis - (Abstract)
• 2018, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the era of the human microbiome: persistent pathogens drive chronic symptoms by interfering with host metabolism, gene expression and immunity - (Full text)

Talks and interviews

• Nov 15, 2019 - ME/CFS in the Era of the Human Microbiome: Persistent Pathogens Drive Chronic Symptoms by Interfering with Host Metabolism, Gene Expression, and Immunity, a Solve M.E. Webinar

Online presence

• Microbe Minded blog
• PubMed
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Website
• YouTube

See also

• PolyBio Research Foundation

Learn more

• Autoimmunity Research Foundation website

myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) - A disease often marked by neurological symptoms, but fatigue is sometimes a symptom as well. Some diagnostic criteria distinguish it from chronic fatigue syndrome, while other diagnostic criteria consider it to be a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome. A defining characteristic of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), which is a notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small exertions. PEM can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain (myalgia), trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, among others. An estimated 25% of those suffering from ME are housebound or bedbound. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ME as a neurological disease.

microbiome The full collection of microscopic organisms (especially bacteria and fungi) which are present in a particular environment, particularly inside the human body.