There is a real need for an educational program to inform the public about epidemic illnesses caused by viruses that evade the immune system. I have used the term “stealth-adapted” to describe these viruses since it conveys the image of their being unseen by our immunological defenses. Another analogy is that of terrorists who do not display any military insignia, yet can still carry weapons.

Although the concept of stealth adaptation is simple, it has not ignited a public outcry for a response from Public Health authorities. Scientifically, many virologists are unaware that the cellular immune system only targets a few of the many components present in a virus. For cytomegalovirus over 90% of the cytotoxic T cells are directed at only 3 of the more than 150 viral components. Losing or mutating these few components can still leave a lot of virus information to cause cell damage and disease.

Patient support group leaders and their affiliated healthcare providers have also been hesitant to delve into the complex science of atypical viruses. Cynically, I can hear them ask: “What's in it for me?” Realistically, however, if the experts are not buying into the concept of stealth adapted viruses, can I really expect others to risk losing the support of their constituents?

It is clear that I need to communicate directly with patients and in the case of sick children, with their parents. The task is formidable since no one wants to think of themselves as being potentially infectious to others. Fortunately, however, the message is not that of doom and gloom. The absence of effective immunity has led to the identification of an auxiliary or added defense system that is based on an alternative (non-mitochondria) pathway of obtaining cellular energy. Studies earlier this year showed that activation of this pathway can promote the healing of conventional herpes and papillomavirus associated skin infections. It has also been shown to help children recover from both bacteria and virus induced diarrhea. Developing energy based therapies is clearly the most promising way of addressing the epidemic of stealth adapted virus infections.

For your part, I would appreciate help in raising the issue of stealth adapted viruses with fellow patients and especially with Federal Government officials. We need to get CDC and NIH onboard to provide the type of support being made available to combat a possible epidemic of bird flu. They will listen to politicians in Congress, who in turn will listen to the public. I need your help to have the politicians request/direct Public Health authorities to undertake appropriate testing for stealth adapted viruses.

Solid financial support to better characterize the alternative cellular energy pathway and to proceed with clinical testing of suitable products is also needed to help rescue patients from the misery of having their brains under-perform. S3Support is a public charity and all donations to this cause are tax-deductible.

Further information of the research, including copies of Abstracts to be presented at the upcoming meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, are available elsewhere on the web site. I will be pleased to address any comments sent to me at s3support@mail.com

Kind regards, W. John Martin, M.D., Ph.D.

Please use PayPal to make your donation.

Alternatively, mailed contributions to S3Support can be sent to 512 S Verdugo Drive , Burbank CA 91502