Journal of IiMER May 2025 ME/CFS. Her research will also contribute to the RESTORE-ME clinical trial, a phase IIb, placebocontrolled study investigating microbiota replacement therapy in ME/CFS patients at the Quadram Institute. Krishani brings a strong background in virology and molecular biology, having completed her PhD in Pathobiology and MSc in Veterinary Biomedicine at Kansas State University, USA. Her research there focused on discovering and characterising antiviral compounds against animal and human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and studying how viruses develop resistance to these treatments. She also worked on animal caliciviruses and explored host susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, Krishani undertook postdoctoral research at Irset in Rennes, France, where she investigated immune responses and the persistence of viruses such as Zika, Chikungunya, and Mumps in immune-privileged sites in the human body. At the Quadram Institute, Krishani is examining ME/CFS through a microbial lens, focusing on the detection of microbes-especially viruses-that may be involved in the condition. She explains, “My research focuses on detecting microbes, particularly viruses, that may be involved in ME/CFS.” ME/CFS is a serious and often disabling condition, affecting an estimated 17 to 24 million people worldwide, including around 250,000 in the UK. Despite its prevalence, ME/CFS remains underrecognised and is frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Those affected experience a wide range of symptoms, including extreme exhaustion following minimal mental or physical activity (postexertional malaise), immune dysfunction, and digestive issues. These symptoms can make daily life overwhelming, and many people with ME rely on carers for basic activities such as eating and personal hygiene. As Krishani notes, “Many individuals with ME/CFS face severe mobility issues. This means we must prioritise patient accessibility and comfort when collecting samples, ensuring our studies are as inclusive and accommodating as possible.” Currently, there is no cure for ME/CFS and the exact cause remains unknown. Krishani explains, “We believe it’s due to a combination of factors, including viral or bacterial infections, immune system dysfunction, and persistent immune activation.” In Professor Carding’s group, Krishani and her colleagues are striving to bring scientific clarity to ME/CFS and to help those affected by this debilitating condition. While no single virus has been definitively linked to ME/CFS, several are suspected to play a role, with many patients reporting viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 prior to the onset of symptoms. Some viruses can persist in the body long after the initial infection and may contribute to ongoing immune dysfunction, but research to date has not provided a clear picture and conclusions remain elusive. Krishani is investigating the links between microbes present in mucus and blood and the development of ME/CFS. At the Quadram Institute, a study funded by Invest in ME Research-the COMPASS ME Study-will analyse the mucosal microbial communities, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, in individuals with and without ME/CFS. She is also examining the communities of viruses in the bloodstream of people with ME/CFS to determine whether they play a role in immune dysregulation. Part of her research involves studying microbial Invest in ME Research Page 8 of 43
10 Publizr Home