Question and Answer Forum

What does mycoplasma testing mean for those with CFS?

By David S. Bell, MD, FAAP

Published in Lyndonville News, May 2000

Question:

Dear Dr. Bell,

I have read about the mycoplasma infection found in Gulf War vets and some people with CFS. Do you recommend being tested for this?

Answer:

The problem with getting tested for mycoplasma now is the same problem as being tested for chlamydia, blood volume, the old retrovirus, the red blood cell morphology and numerous other suggestions that have come up during the years: how do you translate the results into something practical that will help the symptoms? It may be that the mycoplasma research will eventually come up with the answer, but we don't know that for sure at this point. What is needed is that other researcher, particularly those good at mycoplasa to replicate the findings. Then interest will grow and the CDC and NIH may get interested. Until then, we have a great idea and interesting results, but don't know what to do with them. Best of luck.

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