A new study published online by Science links chronic fatigue syndrome to a possibly contagious rodent retrovirus, XMRV, which has also been implicated in an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Related work by the authors also suggests CFS might best be treated with AIDS drugs. Even the lead author, Judy Mikovits, says she understands why linking CFS to both a retrovirus and prostate cancer has already drawn skepticism.
The research, suggests that a single retrovirus known as XMRV does play a role in ME.The virus was in 67% of ME patients compared to under 4% of the general population.
But experts cautioned that the study did not conclusively prove a link between XMRV and ME.continue reading
Source: Science, BBC News
