Is XMRV the New AIDS?

The Red Cross Halts Donations from CFS Sufferers Because of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-related Virus

Cassandra Antares, Yahoo! Contributor Network, Dec 18, 2010

In the fall of 2009, scientist released findings that XMRV{ Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus} known as a new retrovirus was found in 68 of 101 Chronic fatigue sufferers.

Scientist are not sure of what the new retrovirus discovered in 2006 will entail, however the Red Cross as of Nov. 2010 counciled by the CDC has issued a warning, that the Red Cross should no longer except donations of blood from CFS patients as of Dec. 2010. Statistics have shown that 3 to 5 % of the population is already infected with XMRV, the CDC panel fears it could be in the blood supply.

There are three retrovirus' discovered in humans, T cell leukemia, The HIV virus, and now XMRV.

Dr. Paul Cheney was one of the first scientist that has been on the forefront of CFS research since the first known outbreak of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at Lake Tahoe decades ago. Research now is more directed and unified since his efforts, and of others to gain knowledge as to what this illness known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome really is. The symptoms of CFS are flu-like symptoms, fevers, and debilitating malaise that lasts for more than a regular flu incubation period.

The meaning of retrovirus is a virus that has the capability to enter a red blood cell, and after its intrusion will replicate. One thing, however, that is different from the XMRV and HIV is that it replicates at a slower pace. I suppose that is a good thing. Research as of now, states that the new retrovirus is spread through blood, or the sharing of bodily fluids.