In what may very well be a breakthrough in the chronic fatigue symptom debate, researchers have recently discovered that there is a biological basis for the disease. For more than 30 years, people have argued whether CFS was a genuine physical affliction or simply a variant of mental exhaustion.

Chronic fatigue symptom, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME, is characterized by severe mental and physical fatigue in addition to joint pains and trouble with digestion. According to Reuters, “There is no cure and scientists don’t know what causes it, but it affects around 17 million people worldwide.”

A new study published in the Science Advances journal suggests that there are distinct differences between the immune signature of people affected by ME and people free of the disease.

The study, which was conduced by scientists at Columbia University, revealed clear immune-response changes through various stages of the disease. This may be the first step for creating a diagnostic test and treatment regimen.

The specific immune patterns of people who had been suffering from ME for over three years were compared with the immune patterns of patients who had the disease for less than three years. The researchers discovered higher levels of immune proteins called cytokines in patients who only had the disease for a short period of time.

In particular, the cytokine known as interferon gamma was recorded as being strongly present. Interferon gamma is typically released after viral infections and causes an overwhelming feeling of tiredness. Sleep is of course an important component of recovery from any infection. However, interferon gamma has also been linked to memory problems.

“We now have evidence confirming what millions of people with this disease already know — that ME/CFS isn’t psychological,” said Dr. Mady Hornig, the lead author of the study.

The study is only the first step on a new path of research into possible treatments of ME. Yet, if the cause is related to an immune-response, many sufferers may soon find relief as drugs already exist to the manage the levels of immune molecules.