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Prevalence of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus infection in different risk populations in Spain
Miguel Arredondo1, John Hackett, Fermín R de Bethencourt
1Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Human infection with the xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been associated controversially with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Information is lacking about the mechanisms of transmission and potential risk groups for XMRV infection. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with retroviral infections, chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, prostate cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and blood donors were tested for XMRV markers. Antibodies to XMRV proteins p15E and gp70 were examined using research assays. DNA extracted from PBMCs was tested for the presence of XMRV gag and env sequences. A total of 1103 specimens belonging to individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia (437), prostate cancer (69), HIV-1 (149), HTLV-1/2 (31), chronic hepatitis B (81), chronic hepatitis C (72), autoimmune diseases (18), and blood donors (246) were examined. Overall, three samples (0.3%) were p15E seroreactive (two HTLV-1 and one HCV patient). Another 15 (1.4%) were gp70 seroreactive (six chronic fatigue syndrome-fibromyalgia, four blood donors, two HIV-1, one prostate cancer, one HBV, and one HCV). Four specimens were initially positive for XMRV gag sequences, but none could be confirmed by repeated testing. In summary, no evidence of XMRV infection was found in populations with retroviral and viral hepatitis infections in Spain. Likewise, XMRV was not recognized in patients with autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome-fibromyalgia, prostate cancer, or healthy blood donors.
Insights
This study found no evidence of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) infection in Spanish populations, including those with chronic fatigue syndrome, prostate cancer, or other viral infections. Further research is needed to understand XMRV transmission and risk groups.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been controversially linked to prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Limited information exists regarding XMRV transmission mechanisms and at-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of XMRV infection markers in various patient groups and healthy blood donors in Spain.
- To assess potential associations between XMRV and conditions like prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Tested plasma and PBMCs from 1103 individuals for XMRV antibodies (p15E, gp70) and XMRV gag/env DNA sequences.
- Included patients with retroviral infections, chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, prostate cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia, and blood donors.
- Utilized research assays for serological testing and PCR for genetic material detection.
Main Results:
- Overall, 0.3% of samples were p15E seroreactive and 1.4% were gp70 seroreactive.
- Four specimens initially tested positive for XMRV gag sequences but were not confirmed upon retesting.
- No definitive evidence of XMRV infection was detected in any of the studied groups.
Conclusions:
- This study found no evidence of XMRV infection in Spanish individuals across diverse clinical groups and healthy donors.
- The findings do not support a link between XMRV and prostate cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome in the investigated population.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate XMRV transmission and identify potential risk factors globally.
