Martin, W J · Experimental and molecular pathology · 1999 · DOI
Researchers found genetic material from a virus in a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome that resembles human cytomegalovirus (a common virus). Interestingly, the virus was missing genes that the immune system normally recognizes and attacks, which might allow it to hide from immune defenses. Genetic analysis showed this virus actually came from African green monkeys, not humans.
This study raises the possibility that unusual viral infections—particularly those that can evade immune detection—might contribute to ME/CFS pathogenesis in some patients. Understanding viral evasion mechanisms could inform new diagnostic approaches and potential therapeutic targets for ME/CFS.
This case report does not prove that this virus causes ME/CFS in all or most patients, nor does it establish causation from a single patient isolate. The presence of a virus does not demonstrate it is the primary driver of disease symptoms, and the origin of infection (whether from animal exposure, laboratory contamination, or other sources) remains unclear. Cross-sectional viral detection cannot distinguish between active infection, latent infection, or incidental colonization.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →
The first block is for the primary paper and is the citation you should use in research work. The atlas-snapshot line only applies if you are specifically referring to this atlas’s reading of the paper on the date shown.
Primary citation
Martin, W J (1999). Stealth adaptation of an African green monkey simian cytomegalovirus.. Experimental and molecular pathology. https://doi.org/10.1006/exmp.1999.2248
BibTeX
@article{mecfsatlas-martin-1999-stealth-adaptation,
author = {Martin, W J},
title = {Stealth adaptation of an African green monkey simian cytomegalovirus.},
journal = {Experimental and molecular pathology},
year = {1999},
doi = {10.1006/exmp.1999.2248},
note = {PubMed: 10331958},
url = {https://www.mecfsatlas.com/evidence/martin-1999-stealth-adaptation},
}Atlas snapshot reference
ME/CFS Atlas. Generator v1 / Scanner v1.4 / policy v0.1. Accessed 2026-05-30. https://www.mecfsatlas.com/evidence/martin-1999-stealth-adaptation
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