In 2009, preliminary research linked a retrovirus called XMRV to chronic fatigue syndrome. While a lot more research needs to be done to confirm the link and reveal exactly what role XMRV may play in chronic fatigue syndrome (and possibly fibromyalgia), the discovery has generated a lot of excitement and interest.
Below, you'll find information about the XMRV discovery as it unfolded.
Retrovirus Implicated in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia
In what they're calling a landmark finding, scientists from the Whittemore Peterson Institute announce they've discovered a retrovirus in the majority of people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study was published in the journal Science.
What Is XMRV? What Is a Retrovirus?
To understand a scientific breakthrough, it's important to understand the terminology. Get definitions of key terms related to XMRV, including what XMRV stands for and what a retrovirus is.
What the XMRV Discovery Means
When major news about a possible cause of chronic fatigue syndrome breaks, it's definitely something to get excited about. However, we have to keep some perspective and remember just what these discoveries mean.
Possible XMRV Treatment Avenues
The scientists who discovered the XMRV link in chronic fatigue syndrome are planning to look first at HIV medications in their search for XMRV treatments.
How Is XMRV Transmitted?
Because scientists have only known about this particular retrovirus for a few years, they still have a lot to learn about it. However, so far, blood-borne transmission appears to be a possibility.
XMRV & The Possible Fibromyalgia Connection
Whittemore Peterson Institute scientists tested some blood samples from people diagnosed with fibromyalgia and found a high prevalence of XMRV in those samples. However, they point out some major shortcomings of this research.
The Tangled History of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
In light of the possibly tremendous XMRV research -- complete with the suggestion of a new, scientifically based name -- I thought it was a good time to look back at how "chronic fatigue syndrome" came to light and got its much-hated name.
Is It Time to Leave 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome' Behind?
People with chronic fatigue syndrome have waited for decades for their condition to get the attention and respect it deserves, and for a name change that would give them more credibility. Is the XMRV discovery what everyone has been waiting for?
XMRV & Talk of a 'Cure'
The XMRV discovery has a lot of people wondering if this could put us closer to a cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. How realistic is it to expect one?
XMRV Researchers Present Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Findings
Shortly after publication of their XMRV research, representatives from the Whittemore Peterson Institute presented their findings to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee. (Includes link to NIH VideoCasting.)
XMRV Lab Tests: Should You Get Tested?
It certainly doesn't take long for things to come out of the woodwork on the heels of reported scientific breakthroughs. Already, some labs are offering very expensive tests for XMRV, the retrovirus researchers have preliminarily tied to chronic fatigue syndrome and possibly fibromyalgia. Now a lot of people are asking, "Should I get tested?"
XMRV Lab Test Available From WPI
The Whittemore Peterson Institute is now allowing a laboratory to temporarily offer the tests researchers used in the study linking XMRV to chronic fatigue syndrome.
XMRV & Updated Mechanism Theory of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
In the WPI's testimony before the NIH's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee, Dr. Daniel Petson presented an updated theory of the mechanisms behind chronic fatigue syndrome.
XMRV Triggers Urgency, Flurry of Interest in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The discovery of a possible retroviral connection to chronic fatigue syndrome isn't just stirring up the chronic fatigue syndrome community -- it's getting the attention of the entire scientific community.
Could XMRV Mean Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are STDs?
Reader Question: I am excited to find out that a retrovirus has been discovered to be the cause of fibromyalgia, which I have. My one concern is if you get the virus through blood and body fluids, will it be considered an STD? Is it sexually transmitted most of the time? I guess there will be a lot of people claiming to have these diseases through blood transfusions, but there can't be that many people who had transfusions. Will there be a stigma to having any of the diseases that result from XMRV? Get the answer.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, XMRV on Dr. Oz
A Dr. Oz show featured XMRV and possible ties to chronic fatigue syndrome. It was a 12-minute segment that had some good information, but also some troubling aspects.
New Study to Examine XMRV in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Researchers in Sweden are launching a study to examine the link between XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome. Results are expected by mid-2010.
British XMRV Study Results Released
This study appears to contradict the WPI's findings, but what does it really tell us? Learn about the findings and what some key players say about them.
What Can Retroviruses Do?
Found out what we know about retroviruses in general and how this knowledge could relate to XMRV.
WPI Presentation on XMRV & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Dr. Judy Mikovitz gave a presentation on XMRV that contained a lot of good information. This post includes a link to online video.
- On Page 2: More Contradictory Studies; Transmission Findings; Treatment Research; Blood Donation & More
