What are the potential causes or risk factors associated with chronic fatigue syndrome?

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is still unknown, but several potential causes and risk factors have been identified:

Infections:

1. Viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6)
2. Bacterial infections (e.g., Lyme disease)
3. Parasitic infections (e.g., giardiasis)

Genetic predisposition:

1. Family history of CFS/ME
2. Genetic mutations (e.g., HLA, TNF-alpha)