Questions for Professors van Kuppeveld and van der Meer

Purpose: This document, written by Margaret Williams on February 4, 2012, critiques assertions made by Professors Frank J. M. van Kuppeveld and Jos W. M. van der Meer regarding infectious agents and their association with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). It aims to challenge their statements and provide extensive biomedical evidence that was seemingly overlooked in their publication.

Key Points:

1. Challenge to Published Assertions
   • Questions the evidence behind the claim that no infectious agents associated with ME/CFS could be confirmed in subsequent studies.
   • Critiques The Lancet’s editorial standards for publishing this assertion without verifying its accuracy or considering the wealth of existing evidence.
2. Biomedical Evidence Presented
   • Offers an extensive historical account of studies linking infectious agents, particularly enteroviruses, to ME/CFS.
   • Highlights findings from multiple decades (1980s to 2000s) that demonstrate the persistence of viral components in patients, including enteroviral RNA in muscle biopsies and immune markers linked to viral activity.
3. Concerns About Academic and Editorial Integrity
   • Raises concerns about Professors van Kuppeveld and van der Meer’s apparent disregard for a substantial body of research.
   • Criticizes their failure to engage with documented evidence, suggesting it undermines scientific progress and delays advancements in understanding ME/CFS.
4. Call for Accountability
   • Urges authors and journal editors to adhere to basic principles of scientific rigor by thoroughly reviewing existing literature.
   • Warns against dismissing established knowledge, as it may perpetuate misinformation and hinder the development of effective treatments for ME/CFS.
5. Implications for Research and Advocacy
   • Reiterates the importance of investigating infectious causes of ME/CFS to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.
   • Advocates for equitable attention to biomedical evidence in shaping future ME/CFS research and clinical guidelines.

Target Audience:

• Researchers and Clinicians: Professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of the potential infectious origins of ME/CFS.
• Advocates and Policymakers: Stakeholders committed to ensuring balanced and evidence-based approaches to ME/CFS research and care.
• Patients and Carers: Individuals affected by ME/CFS who want clarity on its potential biomedical underpinnings.

Overall Outcome: The document aims to hold scientists and journal editors accountable for accurate and evidence-based reporting. By presenting a robust body of biomedical research, it underscores the need for continued exploration of infectious agents in ME/CFS and challenges assertions that could misguide future investigations.