Study Confirms Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be Caused by Virus

A new study could offer some hope for those unfortunate enough to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).  CFS is estimated to afflict at least one million Americans and has no known cause and no accepted diagnostic tests, although patients show signs of immunological, neurological and endocrinological abnormalities. Besides profound exhaustion, symptoms include sleep disorders, cognitive problems, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and headaches.

The new research from confirms previous research that pointed to what are called MLV-related viruses.  That previous research was questioned because no other research had found the results.

The new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology, found MLV-related viruses in blood cells from 32 out of 37 chronic-fatigue patients but only 3 of 44 healthy ones.

Researchers say it’s still not proven that the virus actually causes CFS.  They say it could mean that the patients are experiencing issues as a result of immune problems caused by the virus.  Some doctors are testing the use of HIV drugs on patients with CFS.

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