Finally, a breakthrough on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

[laughingliberal]

A recently identified retrovirus called XMRV has been linked to a debilitating neuro-immune disease that affects more than one million people in the United States. Scientists from the Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI), located at the University of Nevada School of Medicine on the University’s Reno campus, and their collaborators from the National Cancer Institute and the Cleveland Clinic, have discovered a retroviral link to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
They recently published their groundbreaking findings in the journal Science, one of the world’s leading journals of original scientific research, global news and commentary. The paper, entitled “Detection of Infectious Retrovirus, XMRV, in the Blood Cells of CFS Patients,” is a major breakthrough in understanding the origins of this disease.
“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, an adjunct faculty member in the University of Nevada School of Medicine and leader of the team that discovered this association.

http://www.unr.edu/news/templates/details.aspx?articleid=5207&zoneid=8

I live in northern Nevada and this story was carried on the local news the other night. They also reported UNR is looking for volunteers who have been diagnosed with CFS or fibromyalgia for a clinical trial involving a possible treatment. Maybe someone has found a treatment from which someone can profit and we may get some help.

[uppityperson]

1. That would be great, they need to get a way for a positive diagnosis

[Happyhippychick]

2. Yes! They really do need a way to get a diagnosis rather than through elimination.

[uppityperson]

3. It would also help legitimize it as a real problem rather than considering it just mental health

First thing is get a general PE, including thyroid and other bloodwork to rule out a # of things. Then, I know people who have been told "sorry, can't find anything wrong with you." Also, I know people who do have other health issues but say "chronic fatigue".

I'd like to see it made into a Real diagnosis, legitimized.

[laughingliberal]

5. I'm with you. Recent years have seen a little change in attitudes

towards us but, in 18 years I have suffered with this, I was thought to be everything from crazy to lazy. Maybe now before I die I can put my mind to rest. Think my tombstone should read, "I told you I was sick." (Sorry, couldn't resist).

[laughingliberal]

4. Exactly! I have fibromyalgia

Not yet clear if same virus has been found as related. But current diagnostic criteria is the requisite symptoms (11 of 18 identified tender spots) with no other cause found. Damn, that's a lot of ruling out!

[dixiegrrrrl]

6. A lot of expensive ruling out.

edit to add:

I just some links reporting the virus is also implicated in prostate cancer.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907162310.htm

Plus some good Wiki info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenotropic_murine_leukemia_virus-related_virus

[laughingliberal]

9. Great links. Thanks

Interesting to read the wiki entries on CFS and Fibromyalgia with the thought in mind now that it may all have a viral basis. Will especially be happy when literature does not have to consider somatoform disorders.

[dixiegrrrrl]

10. Just for the record

I was diagnosed with fibro in 1998. By 2 doctors.
Few years later I found out celiac disease can produce same symptoms, stopped all wheat and
all my symptoms went away in a few months.
Now, if I eat even a teensy smidge of wheat, within 24 hours I feel sick and sore.
Every time.

[Warpy]

7. I hope a testing program gets going large scale

I would pay to have it done, just to find out there might be treatment down the road with anti retrovirals.

I'd pay to have the testing done.

I've had RA, SLE and SS since I was a teenager, but what has completely wiped me out is the damned fibro.

This is really great news. Now they need to follow up on it ASAP because there are so many of us out here.

[kimmerspixelated]

8. A few suggestions:

Probiotics are often missing in people's stomachs and do a world of good as a general stabilizer.

Also a good detox with super greens (barley grass etc.) I know a good one if you need that info.

Also, many times vitamin deficiencies are the root cause of Fibro, or CFS, as with any ailment.

Hormones in balance will also help. Try Maca-an adaptogenic herb, supports thyroid as well.

[fanofvan]

11. I am interested kimmer

I don't have enough posts to pm you