EVIDENCE FOR ENTEROVIRAL PERSISTENCE IN HUMANS

We have sought evidence of enteroviral persistence in humans. Eight in dividuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were positive for entero viral sequences, detected by PCR in two serum samples taken at least 5 months apart, The nucleotide sequence of the 5' non-translated region (bases 174-423) was determined for each amplicon, Four individuals ha d virtually identical nucleotide sequences (> 97%) in both samples, Th e sequence pairs also each had a unique shared pattern indicating that the virus had persisted, In one individual (HO), it was clear that th ere had been infection with two different enteroviruses, In the remain ing three individuals, the lack of unique shared features suggested th at re-infection had occurred, rather than persistence, With the except ion of HO, the sequences fell into a subgroup that is related to the C oxsackie B-like viruses.