Hints of a Viral Cause in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown. Some researchers suspect it may be caused by a virus, such as Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6). However, no specific virus has yet been identified as the cause.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition of prolonged and severe tiredness or weariness (fatigue) that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other conditions. To be diagnosed with this condition, your tiredness must be severe enough to decrease your ability to participate in ordinary activities by 50%.

Studies suggest that CFS may be caused by inflammation along the nervous system, and that this inflammation may be some sort of immune response or process. Other factors such as age, prior illness, stress, environment, or genetics may also play a role.

According to the new report, a retrovirus known as XMRV was found in two thirds of the patients with chronic fatigue but in fewer than 4 percent of healthy subjects sampled.

Medical experts report this suggests, but doesn't prove, that the syndrome which some doctors have doubted is a verifiable, discrete disease is actually caused by something identifiable. If that's accurate the researchers report, it may eventually be treatable.

The same retrovirus is being studied for its possible role in prostate cancer, since it has been found in both patients with the disease and tumor samples, the report says. The study appears online in the journal Science.

Written by Jesse Slome
Los Angeles, CA
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