Does Stress Determine Who Will Develop CFS After an Infection?

Published: October 21, 2012
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We know that many common infections can trigger CFS in those who are predisposed. This study showed that those with a high level of pre-existing severe psychological stress in the year before a new parvovirus infection were 25.7 times more likely to develop CFS after the infection.This goes along with what we have said for years that it is infection in the face of overwhelming stress that makes people blow a fuse. Other stresses, including poor sleep, poor nutrition, other infections, autoimmune illness, etc., also can be the stresses that result in otherwise benign infections becoming CFS.

Study Abstract

BACKGROUND: Psychological stress is thought to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). Therefore, we sought to examine this relationship in the context of parvovirus B19 infection.

METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with laboratory-documented acute parvovirus B19 infection were asked to complete questionnaires on negative life events, perceived stress, and negative affect relevant to the time of onset of parvovirus infection and during the preceding 12 months. These scores were combined into an overall stress index, which was then examined for associations with particular parvovirus-associated symptoms at acute infection and during the ensuing 1-3 years. Additional characteristics monitored included presence of parvovirus antibodies and nucleic acid, cortisol level, dehydroepiandrosterone level, autoantibodies, levels of a range of serum cytokines, and human leukocyte antigen class I and II alleles.

RESULTS: Stress index was significantly associated with development of fatigue during the acute phase of parvovirus B19 infection and also with chronic fatigue and arthritis occurring 1-3 years following acute parvovirus B19 infection. Logistic regression that included all clinical variables indicated that a high stress index at the time of onset of infection was the primary predictor of CFS/ME 1-3 years following acute parvovirus B19 infection (odds ratio, 25.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-121.9; P=.005).

CONCLUSIONS: We report a highly significant association between psychological stress and development of acute and chronic fatigue and arthritis several years following laboratory-documented acute parvovirus B19 infection.

Reference:

Preexisting psychological stress predicts acute and chronic fatigue and arthritis following symptomatic parvovirus B19 infection. J.R. Kerr and D.L. Mattey, Clin Infect Dis, May 1, 2008; 46(9): e83-7.

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD

is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. His newest book (June 10, 2024) is You Can Heal From Long COVID. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.

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