PCR and serology find no association between xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) and autism

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) is a retrovirus previously linked to prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
• Speculation and press releases suggested a potential role for XMRV in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between XMRV infection and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• To determine if XMRV DNA or anti-XMRV antibodies are present in individuals with ASD.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and one antibody assay to screen blood samples.
• Tested samples from autistic children, their family members, and various control groups, including those with fibromyalgia and chronic Lyme disease.
• Employed real-time PCR for additional screening of South Carolina and Italian ASD cohorts.

Main Results:

• No evidence of XMRV DNA was detected in any blood samples from patients with ASD or control groups using PCR assays.
• No anti-XMRV antibodies were found, indicating no past or present infection in the blood or other reservoirs.
• The sensitive PCR assays were capable of detecting low copy numbers of XMRV DNA.

Conclusions:

• The findings do not support an association between Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• XMRV infection is unlikely to be a contributing factor in the development of autism.