Event Abstract

Analysis of Neutrophil Function in Severe and Moderately Affected Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Subjects.

  • 1 Griffith University, School of Medical Sciences, Australia
  • 2 Griffith University, Griffith Health Institute, Australia
  • 3 Gold Coast Public Health Unit , Queensland Health, Australia

Research has commonly shown that people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) have immune system abnormalities. Decreases have been found in neutrophil respiratory burst in a CFS cohort. Reduced ability of neutrophils to eliminate pathogens can contribute to the impaired immune function in CFS subjects. It is unknown whether neutrophil function is more impaired in patients severely affected by CFS. The purpose of this study was to examine neutrophil activity including phagocytosis and respiratory burst in patients with severe CFS in comparison to those with moderate symptoms and non-fatigued controls. CFS subjects were characterised using the CDC Case Definition and the International Consensus Criteria for CFS. CFS subjects were then grouped as either moderate or severely affected based on health and quality of life questionnaires. Blood samples were taken from age and sex matched non-fatigued controls, moderately affected and severely affected CFS subjects. Response to E.coli bacteria was measured in neutrophils by assessing phagocytic activity and respiratory burst, these were then analysed on the flow cytometer. Preliminary data from CFS subjects showed differences in neutrophil function based on respiratory burst and phagocytic activity when compared to the control group. These results suggest that differences in neutrophil function in CFS patients may contribute to CFS related immune dysfunction.

Keywords: CFS, Severe, Neutrophil, Respiratory Burst, Phagocyte

Conference: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI), Milan, Italy, 22 Aug - 27 Aug, 2013.

Presentation Type: Abstract

Topic: Innate immunity

Citation: Hardcastle SL, Brenu EW, Staines DR and Marshall-Gradisnik SM (2013). Analysis of Neutrophil Function in Severe and Moderately Affected Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Subjects.. Front. Immunol. Conference Abstract: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI). doi: 10.3389/conf.fimmu.2013.02.01039

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Received: 30 Jun 2013; Published Online: 22 Aug 2013.

* Correspondence: Dr. Ekua W Brenu, Griffith University, School of Medical Sciences, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4222, Australia, e.brenu@griffith.edu.au