Reported here by leaders of the group, known by its Italian abbreviation AISM, the study of nearly 2,000 individuals with blinded central imaging analysis found the condition in only about 3% of MS patients and in only slightly fewer healthy controls or patients with other neurological conditions.The prevalence of CCSVI as determined under this process was as follows in the three groups of participants:

MS patients: 3.26% (95% CI 2.38% to 4.45%)
Healthy controls: 2.13% (95% CI 1.10% to 4.14%)
Other neurological disorders: 3.10% (95% CI 1.58% to 6.44%)
On the basis of these small values, and the lack of significant (P<0.05) differences between them, the AISM issued a statement declaring that "CCSVI is not a disease connected to multiple sclerosis."

Moreover, it continued, "for people affected by MS, there is no need to carry out additional tests to diagnose CCSVI, nor is vein surgery required.

The AISM is the first national MS society to make such a conclusive determination. In the U.S. and Canada, research on CCSVI commissioned by the major organizations in those countries is still under way, and no similar declaration is likely until those studies are completed."
"Primary source: European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis
Source reference:
Comi G, et al "Chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and global venous haemodynamics in multiple sclerosis: the CoSMo study" ECTRIMS 2012; Abstract 167

Why such studies are still underway in North America (squandering precious research time and funding) after so many negative studies baffles me. I wonder what it will take for the CCSVI hypothesis to admit that it objectively fails?

We already know some mycoplasma are pathological, we know they can be hard to eradicate, and we know some cause symptoms similar to some (supposed) autoimmune diseases, and there is evidence that some mycoplasma can be the initial trigger for sensitising the immune system to self in some autoimmune diseases. Thus even if it is wrong it is likely that there will be the odd positive studies and compelling anecdotes or case studies – because some people in those will actually have infections with mycoplasma (or something else that clears up when they are having long courses of antibiotics) causing or exacerbating their symptoms unless it is specifically excluded in trial criteria. Always harder to dispel a hypothesis with a little bit of truth than one that is entirely fiction, and we struggle enough with the later.

Of course they are missing the point… the data ended up supporting the role of H Pylori, and the medical community followed the data. Without supporting evidence, mavericks quickly become quacks

http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/3572695.htm

It treats the proponents of this hypothesis as heroes. But with a twist. They propose that the underlying cause of ccsvi is mycoplasma infection and they propose curing it with antibiotics for twelve months. Yes, they have a cure for MS. And there are the usual anecdotal reports of sufferers being cured. There is an opposing mainstream view which is well put and a caution by the presenter at the end, but the main thrust of the program is to treat these proponents as brave mavericks likening them to the Western Australian scientist who overturned the accepted cause of peptic ulcers leading to the use of antibiotics to treat this condition.

I don’t think anyone is accusing Gamboni of hoaxing. He seems to genuinely believe in his hypothesis.

Better go to your grave as an unrecognized genius then as an admitted hoaxer.

Your last point about Zamboni is something I have not considered and I think I agree – it may be the only way to really put a dent in support for CCSVI.