Summary
| Direction in ME/CFS | ↑ Elevated — higher than in the comparison group |
|---|---|
| Category | Autoimmune |
| Also described as | Anti-M3/M4 |
| Compared against | HC (healthy controls) |
| Associated symptoms | Autonomic, GI symptoms |
| Test type | Blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood) |
| Source | Maksoud et al. 2023 — doi:10.1186/s12916-023-02893-9 |
| Condition atlas | ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas |
Related Autoimmune markers in ME/CFS
Full list: ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Muscarinic cholinergic autoantibodies high or low in ME/CFS?
Elevated. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report higher Muscarinic cholinergic autoantibodies in ME/CFS than in healthy controls. Source: Maksoud et al. 2023.
What symptoms is Muscarinic cholinergic autoantibodies associated with in ME/CFS?
The cited literature associates this marker with Autonomic, GI symptoms. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.
Which test measures Muscarinic cholinergic autoantibodies?
It is measured as a blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood). Many of the cited studies used research-grade assays, so clinical availability may vary.
Is one abnormal Muscarinic cholinergic autoantibodies result diagnostic of ME/CFS?
No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of ME/CFS. Muscarinic cholinergic autoantibodies findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-29 · Page generated from me-cfs.json · Browse: ME/CFS atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages
Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.