Molecular Pathologies and Treatment for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome—2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)—classified by the WHO under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) with 8E49 as “post-viral fatigue syndrome” in the section for “diseases of the nervous system”—is a chronic, multisystem, and highly disabling disease. It is characterized by post-exertional malaise and is often accompanied by brain fog, intestinal and sleep disturbances, and pain.

According to the U.S. CDC statistics data published in December 2023, ME/CFS affects 1.3% of the adult population, including 0.7% of the individuals aged 18–39, with a higher prevalence in women (2:1). These numbers represent an increase compared with earlier epidemiological data (0.86% of the adult population). Due to the lack of established biomarkers, ME/CFS diagnosis still relies on clinical case definitions, and available treatments are limited to symptomatic relief. Advancing our understanding of disease triggers and mechanisms leading to chronicity at the molecular level is essential to improve ME/CFS healthcare and support the development of preventive strategies.

This Special Issue invites the submission of original research articles, reviews, opinion pieces, and case reports addressing current advances in the molecular processes associated with ME/CFS, responses to treatments, and additional insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of the disease.

This Special Issue is supervised by Prof. Dr. Elisa Oltra and assisted by Ms. Karen Gimenez-Orenga (Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir).

Prof. Dr. Elisa Oltra
Guest Editor

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