Journal of IiME Volume 9 Issue 1 them from those who have other fatiguing illnesses. Under the auspices of the Hutchins Family Foundation-supported Chronic Fatigue Initiative, we recently found evidence of differences in plasma immune signatures in patients with ME/CFS who have recent onset of illness as compared with patients who have been ill for longer periods, and as compared with matched controls. We are currently investigating whether these stage-specific immune profiles are also correlated with altered metabolites in blood as well as with the bacteria of the gut and oropharyngeal microbiome that help to shape these metabolomic patterns. This work is beginning to elucidate candidate biomarkers for ME/CFS that may both facilitate early diagnosis and promote our capacity to tailor interventions to the specific stage of illness. Dr Luis Nacul Epidemiological Evidence on ME/CFS: Current status and implications for research and service delivery Dr Luis Nacul is Clinical Senior Lecturer at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Abstract: The reported prevalence of ME/CFS varies 100-fold, with the best estimates between 0.2% and 0.7%. The most likely explanations for these variations relate to methodological differences in studies, including in data collection procedures and case definitions used, in addition to differences May 2015 in population studied. Methodological limitations also restrict the interpretation of findings on risk factors, mechanism of disease and treatment. The distribution and disabling nature of the disease and lack of specific treatment owes to a high burden and economic impact to individuals and society. The presentation will discuss epidemiological evidence on ME/CFS and their limitations, and how they can be used to guide research and services planning. Dr Amolak Bansal Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of ME/CFS Dr Amolak Bansal is Consultant, Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology, Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Surrey, UK Dr. Bansal trained in immunology and allergy from 1989 to 1993 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Manchester and at Hope Hospital in Salford. From here he spent five years (1993-1997) as Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Clinical Immunology in the Department of Medicine at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. From 1997 to the present date Dr. Bansal has worked as a Consultant in Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology at Epsom and St Helier University Hospital. Dr Bansal’s key interests lie in allergy, autoimmunity, CFS/ME and immunodeficiency. Abstract: Diagnosing CFS/ME Fatigue is a feature of many common illnesses but is the main and overwhelming problem in Invest in ME (Charity Nr. 1114035) www.investinme.org Page 47 of 57
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