Medical News

The New York Times published an October, 2009 article reporting on a research study linking a little-known virus with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a condition that affects over one million Americans. The xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus, or XMRV, is a virus related to the HIV virus, but much less potent. In the initial study it was found in 68 of 101 CFS patients. A later study found the virus in 98 percent of CFS patients. Clearly, a correlation of sorts exists between this virus and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The study does not prove that the virus causes the syndrome – only that some link between the two exists. But this is potentially good news for the millions of individuals who have been treated as if their condition or complaints are nothing more than symptoms of an overactive imagination or depression. Chronic Fatigue has often been relegated to the far corners of medicine, ignored, or considered “weakness” on the part of its sufferers. It causes widespread pain, feelings of overwhelming tiredness, and sensitivity to touch, cold and heat. Because of its widespread nature, it is very difficult for physicians to treat.

XMRV is actually considered a retrovirus, or a virus that has ribonucleic acid, RNA, as its genetic material. Most of us are more familiar with DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, the “building blocks of life”. A retrovirus is single-stranded RNA, as opposed to the more widely-known double-helix of DNA. The XMRV retrovirus has been implicated in the development of several diseases, including prostate cancer. If the link between the retrovirus and CFS is proven, it would revolutionize the treatment of the disease.

Rather than being treated as a psychological condition, a definitive treatment may now be able to be developed. Anti-viral medications have been around for some time now, and are becoming more refined all the time. Using one of these to treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, either to alleviate symptoms or, hopefully, to cure the disease, would be a significant step forward.

Retroviruses cause so much damage because they do not have their own DNA. Instead, they utilize the DNA of the host cells they invade, damaging or destroying them in the process. The immune system becomes compromised, and the body acquires infections more easily and more frequently. Recurring infections weaken the body, and can eventually hasten its demise.

The research being conducted on the XMRV virus, CFS, and retroviruses in general holds great promise. This is one area where medicine is only making the earliest inroads; we do not understand yet what causes CFS, or even how retroviruses are spread. There are many theories, and scientists are pursuing quite a few leads in several areas.

In the meantime, it is important for us to keep an open mind about diseases, their cause, prevention, and treatment. And as always, the best cure is prevention. Frequent hand-washing, eating healthy, fresh, low-fat foods, and consistent exercise are the best ways to keep ourselves healthy.