The NEWS
Scientists have identified a retrovirus called XMRV in the blood of 67 percent of 101 ME/CFS patients. Only 3.7 percent of 218 healthy people had the virus. Infected blood cells produced infectious viral particles. The XMRV is a gamma retrovirus and was originally discovered in prostate cancer tissue. Other retroviruses, such as HIV and HTLV-1, are known to cause cancer and immune deficiencies in humans.
"Since the original Science paper was submitted, we have continued to refine our test for XMRV and have surprisingly found that 95 percent ME/CFS samples tested positive for XMRV antibodies in the plasma. This finding clearly points to the retrovirus as a significant contributing factor in this illness," said Judy Mikovits, Ph.D., director of research for WPI.
A XMRV question and answer page is available at
WPI.
NCI press release
WPI press release
XMRV in CFS abstract
The ACTION PLAN
A clinically validated test to detect XMRV antibodies in patients' plasma is currently under development at Whittemore Peterson Institute. Those interested in participating in research studies to further the development of diagnostic tests, should contact
mike.hillerby@wpinstitute.org for a questionnaire.
A PCR test for the viral DNA is expected to be available by the end of November 2009 from
Viral Immune Pathology Diagnostics
Antiretroviral drugs developed for HIV are being evaluated for use against XMRV, but these drugs can be rather toxic. Before the introduction of antiretroviral drugs, nutritional supplements were used to significantly slow HIV disease progression (Fawzi). Nutritional products can also work together with antiretrovirals to slow HIV disease (Kaiser). A nutritional supplement may be helpful in XMRV disease.
Immune Vitality is a micronutrient supplement available through Master Your Illness. It was developed by an MD immunologist treating HIV and ME/CFS patients for over a decade. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients for mitochondrial support.
Nutrition in HIV disease without HAART (Fawzi)
Nutrition in HIV disease with HAART (Kaiser)