Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Deals a Blow to a Viral Theory

[HuckleB]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/23/health/research/23fatigue.html?_r=1&ref=health

"Dashing the hopes of many people with chronic fatigue syndrome, an eagerly awaited study coordinated by government health agencies has not confirmed a link between the illness and a virus called XMRV or others from the same class of mouse leukemia viruses.

Two research groups had earlier reported an association between chronic fatigue syndrome and the group of viruses, known as murine leukemia viruses, or M.L.V.’s, raising hopes that a treatment or cure could be found. But later studies did not substantiate the link, and many researchers suggested that that the initial findings were the result of contamination of laboratory samples or equipment.

The new multilab study, published online Thursday in the journal Science, was designed to answer some of the questions about these unusual viruses and determine whether they posed a risk to the blood supply.

Results from another government-sponsored study of M.L.V.’s, with a much larger sample size, are expected early next year. But Thursday’s report appeared to leave little room for continued optimism.

..."


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Research is never easy...

[xchrom]

1. Recommend

[truedelphi]

2. My Chronic Fatigue S. turned out to be simple, hayfever-related allergies

I had no symptoms of allergies. No runny or stuffy nose. No sneezing or itchy eyes. Just the feeling that I was literally carrying the world on my back, with my body weighing more than I could carry. And the only way to combat the feeling was to stay in bed.

This was W-A-Y back in the early 1970's. Probably before the term "Chronic Fatigue S." was even used. I am forever grateful to the guy who was my boyfriend - who footed the bill for countless specialists. Then when they all said I was depressed, he finally agreed to sit and wait with me at a small poor people's clinic.

There a doctor who spoke very little English, and talked to his nurse in his native Korean, decided that I was "asthmatic" type. He offered a prescription for Sudafed, and my life was restored to me.

I often wonder how many other people are out there like I was. Going fromspecialist to specialist, and having all the tests done, and still end up feeling too bad to get out of bed.

[Lochloosa]

3. Mine was Sleep Apnea. I did not fit the profile. Early 30's and not overweight.

It took 9 years to figure it out.

If you are told you have CF GET a sleep study done. It can save your life

[truedelphi]

5. Sorry about the nine years. Glad they did get it in the end.

What do they do to help with sleep apnea?

Do you have to wear cumbersome gear to bed?

[dipsydoodle]

4. BBC News link to subject.

Scientists who first linked chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as ME, to a virus have withdrawn some of their findings.

They have said some of their findings were based on "contaminated data".

Meanwhile, a study in Science claimed the virus could not be reliably detected in ME patients, even in the labs which originally made the link.

Understanding of chronic fatigue syndrome is poor. It may be many diseases and the causes are uncertain.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15017660

[HuckleB]

6. Interesting piece. Thanks for sharing! -eom-

:hi: