Defective immune system may cause ME, study finds

New research has been published to support the theory that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) – the controversial condition also known as ME – is an autoimmune illness.

A small clinical trial in Norway discovered that injections of the cancer drug Rituximab, which suppresses the immune system, relieved the symptoms of CFS in some patients.

The findings suggested that CFS is caused by a wayward immune system attacking the body, with antibodies misguidedly damaging patients' own issues.

Published in the journal PLoS One, the study was carried out by researchers at the Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen.

Commenting on the significance of the findings, oncology consultant at the hospital Oystein Fluge told BBC News: "The fact that patients responded to treatment, improved cognitive function, fatigue and pain makes us believe we're touching one of the central mechanisms."

Dr Charles Shepherd, medical adviser for the UK ME Association, described the study as "very encouraging news for people with ME".

It is estimated that at least 250,000 people in Britain are affected by the illness.