Useful information can be obtained by a concurrent testing for the presence of a stealth virus infection and a semi-quantitative assessments of the production levels of inhibitors and of cellular toxins. While stealth viruses can yield positive results using various low stringency polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assays, the gold standard for their detection is virus culture. Detailed electron microscopic examination of positive cultures can help identify specific cellular changes. This can help point to metabolic pathways implicated in the cellular disruptions, and more importantly, can provide semi-quantitative markers to assess virus inhibition. Anti-oxidants and various anti-viral agents can be added to cultures and direct comparisons of pre- and post-treatment samples can be made using presently available culture methods. The cultures provide cells for the detection of antibodies reactive with infected cells. Serological testing of family members, and of other possible contacts, may also be indicated. Laboratory testing should also address the multi-system nature of the illnesses seen in virus infected individuals.