title: A classification of HTLV-III infection based on 75 cases seen in a suburban community.
abstract: Since 1981, 75 patients have been seen at our hospital with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) infection. We have classified their clinical presentation into Groups 0 to 6. Groups 0 to 3 all have antibody to the Mr 41,000 protein of HTLV-III. Group 0 has no evident disease (9 patients), Group 1 has lymphadenopathy with or without exaggerated infection (16 patients), Group 2 has persistent lymphadenopathy with chronic hepatitis B surface antigenemia or profound hypergammaglobulinemia (7 patients), Group 3 has oral candidiasis with or without lymphadenopathy (7 patients). In Group 4 are acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) adults or children (32 patients). Group 5 is a special classification for immunocompromised patients. Group 6 patients have lymphomas and Mr 41,000 protein antibody. Four children were classified separately. Three patients in Group 3 developed Group 4 disorders (AIDS). Four patients in Group 4 developed Group 6 disorders. HTLV-III infection spread in families (8 of 36), all from infected mothers to children. In 17 sexual partners, 6 were found to be infected. Five of 6 infected partners were homosexuals. We saw an inordinate number of transfusional AIDS (4 of 29) and 1 of 46 other disorders. Two infants also presented with severe intracranial defects, one with microcephaly and one with cranial calcifications and lucency. HTLV-III is spreading with alarming speed.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kaplan
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Pahwa
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Popovic
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Sarngadharan
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Gallo
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D017977:Deltaretrovirus; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D009518:New York; D012192:Retroviridae Infections / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission; D013383:Suburban Population; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D015483:HIV Antibodies