Kurt, this has been discussed before. HTLV1 has a similar transmission pattern and is a retrovirus.
However I think it is futile for us to discuss these points because so much is unknown yet. We do not know what the latest research is saying, because it is not published, and even if we did, at this early stage, there would still be much more that is unknown about XMRV than what is known.
The science should concentrate on finding the truth, not on hampering research into XMRV.
Why cant the WPIs research be published first and criticised after? Isn't that science? And wouldn't we all be having a better informed discussion if this research which is so deplored were published? And wouldn't we know the truth quicker, couldn't XMRV be disproved even more quickly if the WPI research were published? So why shouldn't it be published? What is wrong with having the facts to work on?
If Dr. Alter feels he can support the WPIs research, I believe him. It is vital that this research on XMRV continue and is not shut down prematurely. There is serendipity in science, strange connections can turn up, that is how truly new ideas are born, and it takes courage to think in new ways. What is wrong with that? So why this outcry? If a bunch of stupid patients want to believe half-baked theories about retroviruses why is that a problem?
I believe XMRV is threatening because of the validation it will give us.
Although personally I think if XMRV works out treatments will take longer than people would like to believe.
However I think this debate is not really about XMRV, or retroviruses, even on the patient side. Sufferers really want XMRV to be causative because then they could demand the respect and care they need and deserve.
It is the change to our status that is disturbing to some. And yes, kurt, that is political.
NOW AN IMPORTANT POINT. LISTEN!
Also kurt, people do not harm themselves because of the loss of a false hope.
They harm themselves because of social exclusion, poverty, and rejection by those they turn to for help.
People with CFS/ME are who ill and cannot work find their problems compounded by the ignorance and misinformation they have to struggle with, the lack of appropriate medical care, the denial of welfare benefit, housing problems, employment problems, problems with thier friends and families not understanding, and poverty.
These are the real problems which overwhelm some. If sufferers had adequate financial support, medical care, acceptance and hope, even in the absence of a known cause for this illness, (which is the case for many diseases, the cause of most are unknown), they would be able to live with their illness without despair.
The persistent promotion of false psychogenic theories destroys our hope that we will ever eventually obtain proper medical care.
We humans are social animals. Social exclusion is destructive, almost as damaging as the illness.
We suffer a double burden.
I AM GRATEFUL TO DR MIKOVITS AND DR ALTER FOR UNDERSTANDING THIS.
MANY RESEARCHERS DO NOT.