Viral infection and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

Many studies have shown that viruses after they enter the host cell can interact with mitochondria and disrupt their function; particularly some studies have determined that these effects can alter the mitochondrial structure as well as changes in the pathway for energy production. The effect of virus or viral protein on the electron transport chain, sometimes following entry of divert viruses to the host cell, will result in a sharp decrease in cellular energy at the end of the electron transport process. In addition, nowadays new data indicate that a number of viruses may affect the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and thus affect the respiratory chain in the mitochondria. Such effects can lead to clinical outcomes, particularly in the context of sustained infections, which can ultimately be considered as a possible cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Therefore, as a hypothesis, it may be concluded that viral infections may be one of the main potential etiology for this syndrome.