we are looking and looking and looking for remedies against EBV and also against ME/CFS
I found the following study from 2017. The content is in good agreement with the experiences with some patients to whom we have been giving antiviral medication for several years now and who have only just achieved a noticeable effect.
Cimetidine is only used in this study as an “excretion blocker” for Valacyclovir, but it can do much more: it inhibits the immune suppressor cells TRegs and can therefore also be used as an effective off-label adjuvant for cancer!
Based on the descriptions in the study, it is clear that many of these patients belonged to the GPRAAK group!! Great!
Study summary: Cimetidine and valacyclovir for the treatment of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Background
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause chronic infection and be associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
- The aim was to identify and treat a specific subgroup of CFS patients with EBV infection.
- The study investigated the effect of valacyclovir (an antiviral drug) alone and in combination with cimetidine (inhibits the degradation of valacyclovir and increases its concentration in the blood).
Study design
- Group 1: Placebo-controlled 6-month study with valacyclovir (14.3 mg/kg every 6 hours).
- Group 2: Long-term follow-up over 36 months with valacyclovir (in some patients in combination with cimetidine or probenecid to enhance the effect).
Results
- Clinical improvement
- Patients receiving valacyclovir had a significant improvement in their energy index (EI) (122 kcal/day after 6 months).
- Long-term patients (Group 2) improved progressive over 36 months.
- Sinus tachycardia and abnormal heart movements improved.
- Serum antibody titers against EBV VCA IgM decreased, indicating a reduction in viral load.
- Many patients were able to resume normal activities.
- Cardiovascular changes
- Many patients had abnormal T waves and tachycardias (>120/min) at baseline.
- After antiviral therapy, T waves and resting heart rate improved.
- Additional therapies
- Cimetidine and Probenecid was added in some cases to increase the plasma concentration of valacyclovir.
- In case of intolerance to valacyclovir (diarrhea), famciclovir was used as an alternative.
- Safety & Side effects
- Antiviral therapy is well tolerated.
- Few patients developed side effects (e.g. mild diarrhea).
Conclusion
- Long-term antiviral therapy with valacyclovir improves the symptoms of CFS patients with EBV infection.
- CFS patients should be classified according to virus subgroups in order to treat them specifically.
- Cimetidine can enhance the effect of valacyclovir and could be therapeutically useful.
Importance for practice
- Patients with CFS and active EBV infection could benefit from Long-term valacyclovir therapy.
- CFS may be triggered by persistent herpesvirus infections, and antiviral drugs may be a therapeutic option.
Cover image and summary by ChatGPT
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