Dr Charles Shepherd's letter to the Editor of the Daily Mail

by tonybritton on June 21, 2011:

Dr Charles Shepherd, who is visiting ATOS today to look at their LIMA computer system, has just sent the following letter to the Editor of the Daily Mail:

Dear Sir

While it is true to say that there is a serious split in scientific opinion over the role of XMRV in M.E., it is incorrect to then conclude that other infections do not play a role in causation (Daily Mail story today, 21 June).

Most people with M.E. report that their illness was triggered by an infection such as glandular fever or shingles – an observation supported by numerous research studies and the Chief Medical Officer’s Report into ME.

Research also indicates that the triggering infection can produce an ongoing and overactive immune system response which may be responsible for some of the flu-like and neurological symptoms.

With results from the most comprehensive study into XMRV and M.E. due later in the year, it is not yet time for the Lancet to reach such a definitive verdict.

Dr Charles Shepherd
Hon Medical Adviser, The ME Association
7 Apollo Office Court, Radclive Road, Gawcott, Buckinghamshire MK18 4DF