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Researcher | Prof. Simon Carding |
Institution | Quadram Institute, UK |
Start date | October 2023 |
Funded by | ME Research UK with the financial support of the Fred and Joan Davies Bequest |
Aims | Our gut is home to many bacteria and viruses comprising the microbiome, which is vital for maintaining health, providing essential nutrients and vitamins, and boosting our immune system. Disturbances of the microbiome are seen in numerous diseases, including ME/CFS, but most studies have focused on the bacteria rather than the viruses (or virome). Prof. Carding and his team plan a comprehensive analysis of the gut virome in people with ME/CFS, to identify signature viruses that might be involved in the development of the disease, and could represent a new biomarker. They will also look at whether they respond to microbiota transplantation therapy. |