Spanish Researchers [Did Not] Find XMRV in 70% of ME/CFS Patient Samples

The following translation of a Nov 2 Spanish language news release was posted by the European Society for ME research thinktank (http://esme-eu.com). It related to a presentation at an ME/CFS research conference in Barcelona - but unfortunately appears to reflect a misunderstanding by a Spanish ABC journalist, who took a mention of the Whittemore-Peterson Insitute's report finding XMRV in 70% of patients to mean that researchers at Hospital Vall d'Hebron reported such findings. In fact going back to the original, correct Vall d'Hebron press release (in Catalan), it appears these researchers have not yet published their findings on XMRV testing.

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Barcelona, November 2 (EFE) - The XMRV virus may be related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) according to a study presented today at a conference on the disease. 

Researchers at the Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona found that 70% of a sample of patients tested positive for the retrovirus. [Note: the testing was conducted in Barcelona, not sent back to the U.S.]

The Barcelona researchers noted that this is a significant finding in understanding the etiology of CFS. They stated that the key to the mechanisms that contribute to the onset of CFS can be found in the body's response to cells infected with XMRV.

CFS is an immunological disease that is diagnosed after a patient has suffered six months of debilitating fatigue. Other symptoms include difficulty functioning in the morning, exercise intolerance, restless sleep and cognitive dysfunction that affects the patient's ability to concentrate, significantly lowering their intellectual performance.

Dr. José Alegre, scientific coordinator of the conference, explained that the prevalence of CFS in Spain is estimated at 1% of the adult population between 25 and 50 years. The prevalence is 2% among women, particularly those between 35 and 40. It also is more prevalent among women with higher educations.

Valley of Hebron Hospital [Hospital Vall d'Hebron] is a referral center for CFS and is currently studying about 1,500 victims, including 50 children and 200 young people between 16 and 23.

Translated by Mary Schweitzer.

Original Spanish Language source: http://www.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=574407