Though there is no diagnostic test to date, the nine specialty tests outlined here can help discern areas in need of attention to bring the body back into balance.
Testing for Human Gamma Retroviruses that includeXMRV and other human MLV-related viruses.The newest, most up-to-date offering (as of fall, 2010) is from VIP Dx, and includes PCR and antibody testing. Check out their website for more info regarding this and other tests they offer. Presently, they are flooded with calls and suggest the website first. www.vipdx.com. Their phone number is (775) 351-1890; fax number is: (775) 682-8517. VIP Dx address: 5625 Fox Ave., suite 309, Reno, NV, 89506, USA. [note: testing for XMRV has been stopped due to suspected inaccuracy and unreliability of results]
urinaryhydrogen sulphide test for dysbiosis; a simple, at-home test you can order throughwww.proteabiopharma.com. Here is some rationale for the test by Dr. Myhill:
We have good evidence that the fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome is caused by poor mitochondrial function. We have a test to measure this - the Mitochondrial Function Profile blood test(1) - and we can see if this dysfunction occurs because of micronutrient deficiency, or something which is blocking mitochondria.
Hydrogensulfide (H2S) fits into this picture because it inhibits mitochondrial function, and this provides a nice explanation as to why the abnormal gut flora can cause fatigue.
Work done by Professor Kenny De Meirleir has shown that people with chronic fatigue syndrome consistently have higher levels of hydrogen sulfide in their urine compared to normal controls. Furthermore, this is associated with high levels of bacteria which are not normally found in the gut flora.
He has identified bacteria in the gut responsible for this. The idea is that an overgrowth of Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Prevotella bacteria results in foods being fermented to produce hydrogen sulfide, and it is this which causes the problems.
He further noted that overgrowth of these different bacteria correlated with symptoms.
In particular, Enterococcus is associated with:
Headache
Arm pain
Shoulder pain
Myalgia
Palpitations
And sleep disturbance
Streptococcus correlated with:
Post-exertional fatigue
Photophobia
Mind going blank
Cervical gland lymphodynia [swollen lymph nodes in the neck]
Palpitations, dizziness and faintness
All these associations were statistically highly significant. HYDROGEN SULPHIDE IN SMALL AMOUNTS HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced by normal cells and is an important gaseous signal molecule a little bit like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide. It is involved in regulation of blood pressure, neuro-transmission, muscle relaxation and the regulation of inflammation.
Endogenous hydrogen sulfide [produced in the body] plays a role in regulating blood pressure, body temperature, vascular smooth muscle, cardiac function, blood flow to the brain, and is an important modulator of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.
At low dose levels exogenous H2S [from sources outside the body] produces a hibernation like state in mice with a decreasing core body temperature, apnea-like sleep, reduced heart and respiratory rates and a marked metabolic drop.
These symptoms are often experienced by CFS/ME sufferers.
TOO MUCH CAN BE VERY TOXIC In excess, H2S acts as a mitochondrial poison inhibiting many enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation [manufacture by the mitochondria of energy in the form of ATP]. It also interferes with oxygen transport in red blood cells, a little bit like carbon monoxide. Almost always we see low levels of glutathione in CFS, which is a sulfur containing molecule.
From an evolutionary perspective, mitochondria are organelles descended from ancient eukaryotic sulfur-using microbes, and so it is not surprising that H2S targets mitochondria. H2S inhibits immune cells such as CD8, T cells, and Natural Killer cells, so contributing to the immune dysfunction. It also impacts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It regulates the use of oxygen by mitochondria.
salivary hormone profiles by ZRT labs. Testing includes female and male hormones, DHEA, cortisol. This is a great option for people unable to give blood. They can help discern the state of the adrenals and if any topical bio-identical hormone therapy would be useful.
Comprehensive Program Review by Amy Yasko through Holistic Health. This set of tests gives a complete picture of what is happening bio-chemically in the body, and includes testing for urinary metals and essential elements, hair metals, fecal metals, GI function, neurotransmitters, urinary amino acids and a comprehensive stool analysis. Dr Amy then spends time going over your whole case and gives handwritten suggestions on how to move forward. The cost of this service is about $2,200.00 USD.
Nutrigenomicsby Amy Yasko through Holistic Health tests for genetic mutations in 30 genes involved in methylation. This test is under $500 USD, and gives info you can use regarding how to bypass these mutations nutritionally so that neurotransmission, detoxification and viral silencing can still take place (all things that don't happen properly in ME/CFS). This is the ground-work of personalized medicine - the medicine of the future that goes way beyond a 'one-size-fits-all' approach.