- D3.532 - Influence of sensitization on persistent symptoms of chronic fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by multiple symptoms with significantly adverse effect on well-being of  individuals. The onset of CFS may often be linked to (viral) infections.  NK cells play an important role in the defense against viral infections. CD57 is commonly expressed on NK cells in persons with chronic immune activation, where decreased levels indicate pronounced immune dysfunction, while increased levels can signal a positive response to therapy. In addition, sensitization is an immunological phenomenon that precedes the development of persistent allergic inflammation. Our aim is to determine whether sensitization influences FAS score, EBV infection/reactivation and CD3-CD56+CD57+ NK cell level.

We gathered 23 individuals ( 19 female, 4 male; mean age 41.69)  with persistent  symptoms of chronic  fatigue syndrome. Patients were divided  and analyzed in accordance  with their atopic status. All patients completed FAS questionnaire.  Immunological assessment of sensitization was performed using the immunoblot method (Euroimmune, Atopy screen profile). In addition, we examined IgM to EBV ( Anti-EBV-CA ELISA IgM) and CD3-CD56+CD57+ NK cell in peripheral blood by flow cytometry.

FAS score (mean  points 30,434;  min 15; max50 ) was calculated for each participant. 12 patients were positive for at least one allergen and 11 were negative. EBV IgM was positive in 6 atopics  and 1 non-atopic patient. In addition, the level of CD 3-CD56+CD57+ NK was reduced in all participants. In contrast, one sample Wilcoxon test showed statistically significant differences in FAS score ( p=0.005) and level of  terminally differentiated NK cells (p=0.001) in relation to atopic status.

Sensitization may exacerbate symptoms of chronic fatigue. The level of CD3-CD56+CD57+ NK cell in the atopic group is likely related to the presence of different phenotypes of chronic fatigue syndrome.