Does a retrovirus explain fatigue syndrome puzzle?

Article Abstract:

The media reacted enthusiastically to news that a human retrovirus (a virus capable of integrating its own DNA into that of the host cell), HTLV-II, could be the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). But this reaction was undoubtedly premature. The author of the scientific paper, Elaine DeFreitas, did not claim to definitively show that HTLV-II (the group that includes the AIDS virus) causes CSF. The Centers for Disease Control defines CFS as a condition that exists for at least six months, accompanied by debilitating fatigue that causes a reduction of more than 50 percent in normal activity levels. Patients also have headache, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and other symptoms. The research paper presented results from blood analyses in both pediatric and adult CFS patients, showing the presence of DNA sequences similar to those in HTLV-II in most patients. However, other scientists pointed out that the results only show a certain gene segment, which could be a fragment of normal cellular DNA with a sequence similar to HTLV-II. Retroviruses have not been found in other CFS patients. DeFreitas has done the research at the Wistar Institute, which came under fire five years ago when it claimed to have shown that HTLV-I (related to HTLV-II) was associated with multiple sclerosis. Other reports failed to find any association, and scientific opinion is reluctant to jump on another 'HTLV' bandwagon. Epstein-Barr virus and human herpes virus 6 have both been discounted as causal agents for CFS. The immune suppression that appears to accompany CFS, however, does suggest infection with a retrovirus. Researchers will have ample opportunity to test their ideas because the number of persons who may have CFS is large. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Chronic fatigue syndrome, HTLV infections, Retrovirus infections

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Dallas AIDS survey raises expectations

Article Abstract:

One of the most basic questions one might ask about an infection is "How many people have it?" This question, it turns out, is also one of the most difficult to answer, particularly in the case of AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The current estimate of the prevalence of AIDS virus infection is 1.0 to 1.5 million people in the United States, but this estimate is based on the screening of selected groups, such as blood donors and pregnant women, who may not represent the population as a whole. The Public Health Service has endorsed a plan to randomly sample the US population for AIDS testing, but this is more difficult than it sounds. Will people be willing to participate, even when anonymity is promised? Will people accurately answer questions about their sexual behavior? Based on results from a survey in Dallas, the answer to both questions is yes. A full 80 percent of those asked to participate in blood screening did so, and interviews with those who refused suggested that the reasons for not participating are not likely to bias the sample. Furthermore, the incidence of hepatitis B in Dallas is well known, and since hepatitis B affects many of the same groups as AIDS, a comparison of the prevalence should show if there are any peculiar biases in the data. The Dallas study will be complete by April 1990, and then federal health officials will be able to determine whether a nationwide AIDS survey is warranted. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Surveys, Health surveys, HIV testing, HIV tests, editorial

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