Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG, Bush JC, Kingston E. Babesia and Bartonella Species DNA in Blood and Enrichment Blood Cultures from People with Chronic Fatigue and Concurrent Neurological Symptoms. Pathogens. 2026; 15(1):2. doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15010002
- Study included 50 individuals with chronic fatigue lasting 6 months to 19 years and neurological symptoms
- 23 of 50 participants had evidence of Babesia and/or Bartonella infection
- Babesia DNA detected in 12 of 50 participants (24%)
- Bartonella DNA detected in 13 of 50 participants (26%)
- Co-infection with both genera confirmed in 2 participants
- Findings support a potential association between these infections and presentations consistent with ME/CFS
- Authors emphasize the need for larger, prospective studies to clarify contribution or causality
Gabriella True
