Patent Evaluation: Treatment and Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Immunodysfunction Syndrome

Summary

Novelty: The diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of chronic fatigue immunodysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) are described. Details are provided for the isolation of an associated retrovirus (CAAV) and nucleotide and peptide sequences derived therefrom.

Biology: Examples provide details of the isolation of the new virus and its characterization as a non-C retrovirus CAV DNA sequence was determined by PCR amplification, purification and sequencing. Similarly, the viral gag proteins and RT-activity were characterized. The diagnosis of viral RNA and viral gag proteins in patients was carried out using hybridization techniques and immunohistochemical methods.