Viral infections have been frequently associated with ME/CFS, though their causal role has been unclear, with their role attributed as a triggering factor rather than due to a persistent or chronic infection. This study will look at the contributing role of exposure to specific viral pathogens to the development of ME through accessing the existing population cohort established through the BC Generations Project (BCGP), part of CanPath. Biosamples will also be accessed from the first ME/CFS specific biobank in Europe – the UK ME Biobank (UKMEB). Biosamples will be collected from some of these patients and analysed to increase understanding of disease etiology and pathophysiology of ME, and opens possibilities for targeted approaches to prevention and treatment.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Agatha Jassem, PhD, (D)ABMM, FCCM; Clinical Associate Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UBC; Clinical Microbiologist, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control
