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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked to Virus

Obscure virus found in two-thirds of sufferers

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 9, 2009 6:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – A research team believes it has finally uncovered the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. The mysterious syndrome—labeled "yuppie flu" in the '80s and considered by some doctors to be a purely psychiatric problem—appears to be caused by an obscure retrovirus, the scientists say. Some 67% of sufferers carried the virus, and 95% had antibodies for it, their research found, compared to just 4% in a control group.

"With those numbers, I would say yes, we've found the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome," said the lead researcher. "We also have data showing that the virus attacks the human immune system." The team plans to test the effects of anti-retroviral drugs in sufferers. Other experts say the study was too small to be conclusive. "It's spectacular but needs replication," one prof tells the Independent.

[Images (1)]

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"We now have compelling proof that a retrovirus named XMRV is present in more than two-thirds of patient samples with chronic fatigue syndrome," the lead researcher said. (Shutter Stock)

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This finding could be a major step in the discovery of vital treatment options for millions of patients. - Lead researcher Dr. Judy Mikovits

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 7 comments

grassisntgreener

Oct 10, 2009 7:00 AM CDT

carried antibodies,showing presence of ,once exposed to a virus/etc. your body builds/develops antibodies,somewhat different from being injected with,and or hopeful(!) immunity to a certain virus/toxin.but same result in the end (again?)

Aelius28

Oct 9, 2009 11:55 AM CDT

So, let me get this straight, 2/3ds of CFS sufferers had a virus. 95% of these CFS suffers had antibodies to fight off this virus, compared to just 4% in non-CFS-sufferers. wtf? They're the ones with the antibodies for the virus and yet they're the ones to get infected by it?

riffran

Oct 9, 2009 10:42 AM CDT

no recommended treatment mentioned though...bummer

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked to Virus