Whittemore Peterson Institute Statement regarding
Centers for Disease Control XMRV Study
Contrary to the WPI study published in Science in October, 2009, as
well as studies done by
others, including the NIH and FDA, Mr. William Switzer of the Centers
for Disease Control reported
that his research team was unable to detect XMRV in CFS patient
samples. This negative finding is in
contrast to the WPI study in which we detected XMRV in 67% of CFS
patient samples.
To correctly replicate scientific studies it is imperative that
researchers use the same methods
and patient criteria to ensure accurate results. The methodology used
by the CDC was not the same as
that used in the WPI study nor was the patient selection criteria. In
September 2009, WPI sent the CDC
twenty confirmed positive samples and the appropriate methodology to
help them develop a clinically
validated test. However, this team chose not to do this.
Until researchers use clinically validated tests to detect XMRV in
patient samples, as WPI
and their collaborators have successfully done, an accurate
association of XMRV to any diseased
population cannot be made. For this reason, WPI researchers and many
others are currently validating
more sensitive clinical assays to assist federal agencies in their
search for the true prevalence of XMRV
in the human population.
WPI will continue its core mission to deliver answers to patients
with neuro-immune diseases
by supporting the development of accurate diagnostics and providing
effective therapeutics and clinical
care.
Lydia E. Neilson, M.S.M., Founder
Chief Executive Officer
National ME/FM Action Network
512 - 33 Banner Road
Nepean, ON K2H 8V7 Canada
Tel. (613) 829-6667 Fax (613) 829-8518
E-mail: ag922(a)ncf.ca
Web:
http://www.mefmaction.net