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been noted by researchers for more than a century. Some of these forms are submicroscopic. The relationship of these submicroscopic virus-sized forms of mycobacteria to what scientists currently call "viruses" has not been fully explored. Could tiny submicroscopic forms of bacteria, virus-like mycoplasma forms and recently described "nanobacteria" be related to retroviruses like HIV? At present, virologists and bacteriologists are silent on this issue. these submicroscopic virus-sized forms of mycobacteria to HIV is a cancer-causing virus and HIV-positive people what scientists currently call "viruses" has not been fully are at increased risk for certain types of cancer, explored. particularly lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma. Therefore, Could tiny submicroscopic forms of bacteria, virus-like | AIDS must have some connection to cancer and its origin. mycoplasma forms and recently described "nanobacteria" Most scientists currently believe that some cancers are be related to retroviruses like HIV? At present, virologists caused by viruses. However, since the late 19th century and bacteriologists are silent on this issue. there have been reports indicating that bacteria—not viruses—are the infectious cause of cancer. In 1890, AIDS and small bacteria Scottish pathologist William ("mycoplasma") as co-factor Russell discovered "the parasite The origin of viruses is not of cancer" in all the cancers he known. However, it is clear that examined. He believed these virus-like mycoplasmas are The idea that cancer is parasites were the infectious related to bacteria. wo cause of cancer. In the late 1980s, a new "virus" caused by bacteria is Pathologists now recognise was detected and reported from . "Russell bodies" in cancerous AIDS cases. However, on closer generally condemned in tissue, although they are not molecular study it was cancer circles. considered infectious bodies. determined that the "virus-like Russell's observations were infectious agent" was actually a condemned by his colleagues, small form of bacteria called who did not consider cancer an Mycoplasma penetrans. infectious disease and had no The continuing research of Luc Montagnier, the co- comprehension of the large "pleomorphic" forms of discoverer of HIV, indicates mycoplasma-type bacteria act _ bacteria that Russell bodies most likely represent. (For as a co-factor with HIV in the development of AIDS. Ina more details, see Cantwell, "The Russell Body: The New York Times interview, the Pasteur Institute scientist Forgotten Clue to the Bacterial Cause of Cancer", declared that "AIDS is caused not by a virus alone, but by |= November 17, 2003, at http://www.rense.com/general44/ a microbe and a virus working together" ("Evidence is _russell.htm.) said to increase on microbe's role in AIDS", June 22, The idea that cancer is caused by bacteria is generally 1990). condemned in cancer circles. The reason for the In laboratory tests, Montagnier found that a small —_ antagonism towards the cancer microbe theory of cancer is bacterium-like organism, called a "mycoplasma", when __ bizarre because there is much credible research in this combined with HIV can kill human cells in a way that _ field and the theory has never been disproven. HIV by itself cannot. J According to Times reporter Philip J. Hilts: "Tf the theory is confirmed, it would force a drastic re-evaluation of efforts to prevent and treat AIDS." In his book Virus (2000), Montagnier writes that Mycoplasma penetrans has the ability to penetrate a cell like a virus. "We do not yet know whether M. penetrans is indeed the co-factor that explains the virulence of HIV, but it does demonstrate the right characteristics: a weak presence in the HIV-negative population, a strong prevalence in the HIV positives. And there may still be other species of bacteria, as yet unidentified, present in AIDS patients not infected with M. 7 penetrans, which play an analogous Figure 2. Tiny granular and coccoid forms of bacteria (arrows) in the skin role to this mycoplasma." tumour of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Acid-fast stain, 1000x, in oil. = Figure 2. Tiny granular and coccoid forms of bacteria (arrows) in the skin tumour of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Acid-fast stain, 1000x, in oil. NEXUS ¢ 27 Acid-fast bacteria in AIDS and cancer The idea that cancer is caused by bacteria is generally condemned in cancer circles. AUGUST — SEPTEMBER 2008 www.nexusmagazine.com