Xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV) does not cause chronic fatigue

Trends Microbiol. 2011 Nov;19(11):525-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2011.08.005. Epub 2011 Oct 4.

Abstract

The xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV), a gammaretrovirus, was discovered in prostate cancer tumours by Virochip technology in 2006. It was subsequently detected in chronic fatigue patients in 2009. The association between XMRV and chronic fatigue has proved to be controversial. No study has confirmed these findings and many have refuted them. Here, we present the evidence for our contention that XMRV is not a human pathogen.

MeSH terms

  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / etiology*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus / genetics
  • Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus / isolation & purification
  • Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus / physiology*