Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- Not Caused by an Infectious Disease

Source: ProHealth.com

Here is a brief commentary in the NY Times on chronic fatigue syndrome. Recently, chronic fatigue syndrome has been linked to infection with xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV). Many were skeptical. Over the years, the syndrome has been associated with other viruses such as EBV,CMV and HHV6, none of which has held up to scientific scrutiny.  

Journal mBio reported the results of a prospective, multicenter analysis of chronic fatigue and XMRV and found no evidence of XMRV infection. 

The etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome remains elusive. I am sympathetic for those who suffer from chronic fatigue. As a profession, we must not mislead patients by suggesting that the malady is an infectious disease or that a simple cure or treatment is at hand.

It is time to move on.