Absence of Borrelia burgdorferi-specific immune complexes in chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Lyme disease often share clinical featur es, especially fatigue, contributing to concern that Borrelia burgdorferi ( Bb), the cause of Lyme disease, may underlie CFS symptoms. We examined 39 C FS patients and 40 healthy controls with a Bb immune complex test. Patients and controls were nonreactive. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- defined CFS patients lacking antecedent signs of Lyme disease-erythema migr ans, Bell's palsy, or large joint arthritis-are not likely to have laborato ry evidence of Bb infection.