Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Accessing Early Differentiation of Virus-Specific Follicular Helper CD4+ T Cell in Acute LCMV-Infected Mice
05:03

Accessing Early Differentiation of Virus-Specific Follicular Helper CD4+ T Cell in Acute LCMV-Infected Mice

Published on: April 26, 2024

Failure to detect the novel retrovirus XMRV in chronic fatigue syndrome

Otto Erlwein1, Steve Kaye, Myra O McClure

  • 1Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom.

Plos One
|January 13, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Researchers investigated if UK chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients carry xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV). No XMRV or MLV sequences were detected in UK CFS patients, suggesting no association in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • A 2009 report linked xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV) to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in US patients.
  • XMRV, a gamma retrovirus, was also previously associated with prostate cancer.
  • This potential link necessitated further investigation into XMRV's role in CFS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of XMRV in patients diagnosed with CFS in the United Kingdom.
  • To determine if XMRV or related murine leukaemia virus (MLV) sequences are detectable in UK CFS patient DNA.

Main Methods:

  • Screened 186 UK CFS patients meeting CDC criteria and medically screened for organic illness.
  • Used nested PCR to detect XMRV and MLV proviral DNA in extracted blood samples.
  • Included controls for DNA integrity (beta-globin) and PCR accuracy (positive/negative controls).

Main Results:

  • The cellular beta-globin gene was successfully amplified in all 186 patient samples, confirming DNA integrity.
  • No XMRV or MLV sequences were detected in any of the DNA samples from UK CFS patients.
  • Nested PCR analysis yielded negative results for both viruses.

Conclusions:

  • Xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV) or murine leukaemia virus (MLV) sequences were not found in UK chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients.
  • This study found no evidence of XMRV association with CFS in the UK cohort.
  • Observed differences may stem from geographical variations in XMRV prevalence or reporting discrepancies between North American and European studies.

More Related Videos

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue08:56

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue

Published on: May 17, 2018

In Situ Detection of Autoreactive CD4 T Cells in Brain and Heart Using Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Dextramers13:10

In Situ Detection of Autoreactive CD4 T Cells in Brain and Heart Using Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Dextramers

Published on: August 1, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.