Mr. Kite, you are correct. But I knew that causality is only going to be proved when treatment is proved.
Even if it is opportunistic, the difference of 4% (or 7) contrasted to 67% tells you XMRV, which is infectious, plays a role in the pathogenesis.
Up to this time, the viruses associated don't have such a contrast like that.
Plus, this one directly attacks immune system cells, the very immune system cells that are abnormal in function or number in CFS patients. Again, this is strong evidence that XMRV is part, if not at the root, of the pathogenesis of CFS.
We will have to see if cutting back on XMRV replication reduces CFS symptoms. But, one thing for sure, that type of research will happen now. Without a study confirming the numbers, we would not see such a study, likely.
So this is a big leap forward, even though it doesn't take us to the finish line.
Tina