Journal of IiME Volume 6 Issue 1 (June 2012) (perfectly well) to 0 (dead). 56 ME/CFS patients had a functional ability of less than 65 and 62 scored between 65 and 75. Flow cytometry was used to measure cellular immune status and the majority of immune abnormalities were found in the ME/CFS group with KS scores between 65 and 75. The immune abnormalities included increases in CD3+HLA-DR+ve T cells and an increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio (an increase in this ratio is found in allergies); there was also a decrease in NK cells. 1995 At the ACMA (Australian Complementary Medicine Association) National Consensus Conference held on 18th and 19th February 1995 in Sydney, Dr Paul Cheney presented his protocol for immunological testing: “Low level ANAs that fluctuate positive/negative are very common; various dysgammaglobulinaemias, including high IgG levels, low IgG levels and subclass deficiencies, are fairly common, and C1Q immune complexes can be common; (using) two colour flow cytometry looking at various immune activation markers, the one that we found the most sensitive is the CD3 CD26 marker for immune activation: a very interesting one has been the CD4/CD8 ratio – in the Lake Tahoe patients we see extraordinary elevations with this ratio, well above 10, we see 10 – 12 – 14 as the value of this ratio (due to both CD8 depletion and CD4 expansion). We’ve also seen a subset of patients, about 15%, with low CD4 counts….(With) serum and then cell-associated alpha interferon levels, we’re getting 60% on serum and on cell associated testing, 90% positivity…(The) IL-2 receptor can mark immune activation in the various immune function tests with respect to NK function. I’ve learnt that it’s important to assess the NK killing per NK cell and not just the gross kill….(We also use) various mitogen stimulation tests”. 1995 “One rationale for the immunological approach stems from the experience accumulated with similar syndromes such as autoimmune and environmentally-triggered diseases. (ME)CFS may be associated with certain HLA Class II antigens, as are some forms of environmental disease. These observations underscore the distinction Invest in ME (Charity Nr. 1114035) between (ME)CFS and psychiatric maladies. Viruses are frequently reactivated in association with immune system dysregulation in (ME)CFS and may contribute to symptomatology” (Roberto Patarca. JCFS 1995:vol I:3/4:195-202). 1995 On 23rd September 1995 350 people gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina, to attend a CFIDS Association conference at which esteemed researchers and clinicians from across America presented current information about (ME)CFIDS. It was reported in The CFIDS Chronicle, Autumn (Fall) 1995. Professor Nancy Klimas presented her University of Miami research group’s model of the proposed mechanism of (ME)CFDS, explaining that in this preliminary model, her group found genetic similarities very similar to those found in autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus. She said that the typical CFIDS immune system is “noisy” or over-active, churning out chemicals in a chronic war against a real or perceived invader. In healthy people only 20% of the immune system cells (cytokines, interleukins and interferons) are activated at any one time, but in (ME)CFIDS, 60% of the cells are activated. For chronic immune activation to occur, something must be perpetuating the illness, which may include latent viral infections such as HHV-6, allergies and HPA axis dysregulation. Dr Jay Levy explained that once the immune system is activated, if the cells designed to quieten the immune response were not available, a disease such as (ME)CFIDS might be the result. Based on advanced immunological testing, Levy et al found that the immune system’s NK and suppressor cells are not working in (ME)CFIDS patients and he regularly screens (ME)CFIDS patients for this potential marker. 1995 The First World Congress on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Related Disorders, organised by The Department of Human Physiology at the Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, with The Ramsay Society, The World Federation of Neurology and The www.investinme.org Page 49 of 108
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