Chronic Viral Diseases Branch

The Chronic Viral Diseases Branch (CVDB) is responsible for conducting research on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and human papillomavirus (HPV) with the goal of reducing the health burden of these conditions.

CFS is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. Between 1 and 4 million Americans are believed to suffer from CFS, yet only about half have consulted a physician for their illness. CVDB conducts research on factors related to this illness.

CVDB also conducts laboratory-based studies of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer to enable effective control and prevention. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the U.S. and is necessary but not sufficient for progression precursor to cervical cancer.

Activities of CVDB include:

• Surveillance and clinical studies of CFS
• Development of education programs related to CFS
• Research on human immune responses to HPV and CFS
• Laboratory studies of HPV infection