HTLV-III infection in homosexuals and hemophiliacs in Sweden.
Two hundred and three homosexual (HS) men and 114 hemophiliacs in Sweden were examined for serum antibodies to human T-lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) and for alterations of T-lymphocyte subsets. Sera were screened for HTLV-III antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and/or a dot immunobinding assay, and positive reactions were confirmed by Western blotting. HTLV-III antibodies were demonstrated in 13 of 13 (100%) HS men with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, in 63 of 67 (94%) HS men with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, in 17 of 45 (38%) symptomatic HS men, and in 6 of 78 (8%) asymptomatic HS men but in none of 108 male blood donors. Seropositive HS men had significantly lower T4/T8 (helper/suppressor) cell ratios and T4 cell numbers than had seronegative HS men. Seronegative HS men had decreased T-cell ratios compared to controls but not decreased T4 cell numbers. Among hemophilia A patients, HTLV III antibodies were demonstrated in 40 of 48 (83%) cases treated with American factor VIII concentrate and in 17 of 29 (59%) cases treated with both American and Swedish concentrates but in none of 13 cases treated exclusively with Swedish factor VIII. Twenty-one hemophilia B patients treated with Swedish factor IX concentrates were all seronegative, whereas one of 3 hemophilia B cases treated with imported factor IX was seropositive. T4/T8 cell ratios were significantly lower in seropositive as compared to seronegative hemophilia A patients.
Biberfeld
G
G
Böttiger
B
B
Karlsson
A
A
Sandström
E
E
Morfeldt-Månsson
L
L
Blombäck
M
M
Nilsson
I M
IM
Wiechel
B
B
Saxinger
C
C
Gallo
R
R
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005164:Factor IX / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005169:Factor VIII / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015483:HIV Antibodies; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D012192:Retroviridae Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012306:Risk; D013548:Sweden; D013601:T-Lymphocytes
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D015483:HIV Antibodies; D005169:Factor VIII; D005164:Factor IX