Fibromyalgia and parvovirus infection

Arthritis Rheum. 1991 Oct;34(10):1319-24. doi: 10.1002/art.1780341018.

Abstract

An infectious cause of fibromyalgia (FM) has been hypothesized based upon the observed similarity of this entity and chronic fatigue syndrome. Three patients developed symptoms of FM after documented episodes of acute parvovirus B19 infections. B19 antibody determinations were obtained approximately 1 month after the symptoms began; both IgM and IgG titers were positive at that time. All 3 patients met criteria for FM. Polysomnography performed on 2 of the patients revealed profound alpha-wave intrusion throughout nonrapid eye movement sleep. A more careful search for viral infections in FM patients whose symptoms appear following a "flu-like" illness appears warranted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • Female
  • Fibromyalgia / microbiology*
  • Fibromyalgia / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Parvoviridae / immunology
  • Parvoviridae Infections / complications*
  • Parvoviridae Infections / physiopathology
  • Sleep, REM / physiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral