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[Viral infection and fibromyalgia]
J C Branco1, V Tavares, I Abreu
1Unidade de Reumatologia, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Lisboa.
Acta Medica Portuguesa
|June 1, 1994
Summary
This study investigated the link between human parvovirus B19 and fibromyalgia (FM). Researchers found no significant evidence to support an etiologic association between parvovirus B19 infection and FM.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.
- Potential etiologies for FM are widely studied, including viral infections.
- Similarities between FM and chronic fatigue syndrome, linked to Epstein-Barr virus, prompt investigation into other viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential etiologic association between human parvovirus B19 infection and fibromyalgia.
- To compare serological evidence of parvovirus B19 infection in FM patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine IgG anti-parvovirus B19 antibody titers.
- Serology was performed on 52 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 39 healthy controls.
- Antibody titers, indicative of past parvovirus B19 infection, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A higher prevalence of positive IgG anti-parvovirus B19 titers was observed in fibromyalgia patients compared to controls, though this difference was not statistically significant.
- The mean antibody titer was also higher in the FM group.
- This tendency was less pronounced when comparing only women within both groups.
Conclusions:
- The study found no statistically significant evidence to establish an etiologic link between human parvovirus B19 infection and fibromyalgia.
- Current data suggest that parvovirus B19 is unlikely to be a cause of fibromyalgia.