“My research focuses on detecting microbes, particularly viruses, that may be involved in ME/CFS.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious and often disabling condition that affects an estimated 17-24 million people worldwide, including approximately 404,000 individuals overall in the UK.

Although ME/CFS is widespread, it is still not widely recognised and is frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

Individuals with ME/CFS experience a range of symptoms including extreme exhaustion after small amounts of mental or physical activity (post-exertional malaise), a weakened immune system and digestive issues.

These symptoms can make daily tasks overwhelming and some individuals with ME rely on caregivers for activities like eating and personal hygiene.

What causes ME/CFS?

Currently, there is no cure for ME/CFS and the exact cause remains unknown. We believe it’s due to a combination of factors including viral or bacterial infections, immune system dysfunction and persistent immune activation.

In Professor Simon Carding’s group, we’re striving to bring scientific clarity to ME/CFS and help those affected by this debilitating condition.

The possible role of viruses in ME/CFS

While no single virus has been definitively linked to ME/CFS, several viruses are suspected to play a role.

Many patients report viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 before their symptoms begin. Some viruses persist in the body long after the initial infection and could contribute to ongoing immune dysfunction. However, so far, research on the role of viruses in ME/CFS shows no clear picture and it’s difficult to draw conclusions.

Identifying microbes in mucus and blood of people with ME/CFS

I’m searching for links between microbes in our mucus and blood and ME/CFS.

At the Quadram Institute we are planning to run a study, funded by the charity Invest in ME Research, to learn more about the role that microbes play in ME/CFS.

The COMPASS ME Study will analyse the mucosal microbial communities, including viruses, bacteria and fungi, of individuals with and without ME/CFS. We will take mucosal swab samples as they are easily accessible and sites where microbial infections often begin.

Many individuals with ME/CFS face severe mobility issues. This means we must prioritise patient accessibility and comfort when collecting samples, ensuring that our studies are as inclusive and accommodating as possible

I also investigate the communities of viruses in the bloodstream of individuals with ME/CFS. I want to see if they play a role in immune dysregulation. Immune dysregulation describes a situation in which the immune system is not functioning properly.

As part of my research, I study microbial extracellular vesicles. We can think of microbial extracellular vesicles as tiny membrane bound ‘packages’ that may carry microbial components. These could serve as diagnostic and therapeutic marker targets for ME/CFS.

My path to researching the role of viruses in ME/CFS

I have a strong background in molecular virology, with years of experience studying eukaryotic viruses and antiviral drugs. My expertise spans from identifying antiviral compounds to understanding how viruses develop resistance.

During my Master’s and PhD at Kansas State University, I focused on discovering and characterising antiviral compounds against both animal and human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, as well as caliciviruses. My research also explored how viruses evolve to resist antiviral treatments, which is critical for developing long-term therapeutic strategies.

For my postdoctoral research at Irset, France, I investigated arboviruses, viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, that can persist in immune-privileged sites in humans. Immune privileged sites are places in the body where they are less subject to immune attacks. This work deepened my interest in understanding how certain viruses evade immune responses and contribute to long-term health issues.

Potential to develop future diagnostics for ME/CFS

Longer term, I want to understand ME/CFS pathology and disease progression. By identifying potential causes and underlying mechanisms, I hope to contribute to the development of better diagnostic tools for early and accurate detection.

Ultimately, my goal is to explore effective and targeted treatments to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Because there is no one known cause for ME/CFS and it’s a complex condition with interconnected biological mechanisms, we need to be cautious when interpreting data on potential links between symptoms, immune dysfunction and microbes. A simplistic approach could overlook crucial factors, so a comprehensive, interdisciplinary perspective is essential when studying ME/CFS.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about scientific rigour but about raising awareness —not only to improve research and treatment options but also foster empathy and respect for those living with this invisible illness.

By understanding ME/CFS, we can help create a more supportive and inclusive world for those affected.

I am very grateful to the Invest in ME Research charity and the LunaNova fellowship for their support with funding for the research I am conducting.”