XMRV is believed by the researchers to be a possible cause of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, but also some forms of autism. It is a “simple” retrovirus, therefore treatable. Research is already underway for determining causality and possible treatments, based on AIDS research and drugs developed to date. Here, Dr. Judy Mikovits, the lead researcher, and Annette Wihittemore, founder, of the Whittemore Peterson Institute, discuss this research:
Since several of my family members suffer from autism, and I from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, this theory is of great interest to me.
The Fibromyalgia & CFS blog lays out the possible mechanism by which XMRV develops. The method of infection is yet unknown, but like HIV, the XMRV infects cells involved in immunity.
I have had CFIDS/FM for the last miserable 15 years of my so-called life.
I am very grateful to Dr. Mikovits, NIC, Cleveland Clinic and esp. the Whittemore family. Also, much appreciation to Dr. Dan Peterson who has been there for us sick people from the very first cluster outbreak at Incline Village. Thank you all involved. We need you and those that come after us and get CFIDS need you terribly. I live in mortal fear that my 8 year old niece and 8 month old nephew will get this due to the 88 genes discovered by Dr. Jonathan Kerr and others. There is a genetic component to this and then the viral aspects – whatever they are.
Thank you WPI and collaborators. MW
Also, the CDC/CFS program must be investigated by Congress and esp. Dr. William Reeves of the CDC/CFS program. We ALL need to scream and yell at Congress to get an investigation into this horrid scandal that has taken up 25 years and over $100 MILLION dollars for NOTHING except to line the pockets of William Reeves, his contractors, Emory University MIND-BODY Program and ABT Associates.
My sister in law has fibro and CFS and suffers daily from many symptoms including achiness and fatigue. Recently, I let her borrow some of my favorite natural pain cream from Topricin and she said it actually did indeed help her! She was so thrilled and so was I…I love my Topricin and I love her and wanted to help her feel even a little better! I will have to share this video with her – thank you
I am following XMRV with baited breath. Within a 1 year span, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, my father with aggressive prostate cancer (fortunately encapsulated), and my son with PDD-NOS (autism spectrum). The fact that some research suggests that these three conditions may all be related to XMRV is not lost on me. While doctors suggest that there may or may not be relief (more likely toward prevention) from fibro and autism, knowing the underlying cause would relieve so much anxiety for me!! And give me a focus for fundraising, etc.!!