| 摘要 |
Stealth viruses comprise a molecularly heterogeneous grouping of atypically structured, vacuolating cytopathic viruses, that cause persistent systemic infection, often with neuropsychiatric and potentially with oncogenic and auto-immune manifestations, in the absence of significant anti-viral inflammation. The appearance, progression and host range characteristics of the cytopathic effect (CPE) distinguish stealth viruses from conventional human cytopathic viruses, including herpesviruses, enteroviruses and adenoviruses. Electron microscopy, serology and molecular-based assays can be used to further differentiate stealth viruses from conventional viruses. Stealth viruses can assimilate various cellular-derived and bacteria-derived genes and potentially transfer such genes between individuals or similar or even differing species. This application describes methods for detecting stealth viruses using molecular probes and for determining the composition of individual stealth virus isolates, based on the DNA and/or RNA nucleotide sequences detectable in cultures and in clinical and other materials containing a stealth virus.
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