IP: Dr. Vicente Soriano Vázquez

Resumen del proyecto: Current status: The recent identification in humans of a new retrovirus, named as XMRV (xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus) has attracted much interest. To date, infection with XMRV has been associated with two largely different diseases, prostatic cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. There are many gaps in the knowledge about this new infectious agent, including what is the prevalence n the general population, in distinct patient’s groups, in different geographical regions? How is it transmitted? What is the origin? What is the best diagnostic method? What proportion of infected individuals will develop clinical manifestations? What is the spectrum of associated illnesses? What antivirals might be active?, etc. Study objectives: This project aims to answer many of the questions risen above, examining a large number of individuals belonging to distinct risk groups, as follows: 1) patients with chronic fatigue syndrome; 2) patients with subacute neurological syndromes; 3) individuals with prior exposure to contaminated blood products (ie, hemophiliacs); 4) patients with autoimmune conditions; and 5) HIV-seropositive persons. A group of healthy individuals will be further examined as control group. Specimens from all these individuals will be provided as part of an active collaboration with distinct medical societies and national research groups. Accurate diagnostic tests for establishing the diagnosis of XMRV infection will be developed. Along with qualitative assays, the clinical value of viral load measurement will be investigated, specially its correlation with clinical manifestations.

Entidad financiadora: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación