Evidence for exposure to HTLV-III in Uganda before 1973.
Fifty of 75 serum samples collected in the West Nile district of Uganda between August 1972 and July 1973 contained antibodies reactive with human T-cell leukemia (lymphotropic) virus type 3 (HTLV-III; mean titer, 601), while 12 of 75 samples were positive in a similar test for HTLV type 1 (HTLV-1) antibodies (mean titer, 236). The samples were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and positive results were confirmed by a newly developed unlabeled antibody-peroxidase procedure with enhanced sensitivity for detection of antibody binding to immunoblots of HTLV-III antigen, demonstrating antibodies to proteins with molecular weights of 24,000, 41,000, and 76,000 in nearly all positive samples. Analysis of titration data indicated enhanced titers of antibody against HTLV-III and HTLV-I when coinfection occurred. The high prevalence and relatively low titers [compared to serum from patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)] of antibodies recognizing HTLV-III proteins in sera from this population at a time that may predate or coincide with the appearance or spread of the AIDS agent (HTLV-III) suggest that the virus detected may have been a predecessor of HTLV-III or is HTLV-III itself but existing in a population acclimated to its presence. It further suggests an African origin of HTLV-III.
Saxinger
W C
WC
Levine
P H
PH
Dean
A G
AG
de Thé
G
G
Lange-Wantzin
G
G
Moghissi
J
J
Laurent
F
F
Hoh
M
M
Sarngadharan
M G
MG
Gallo
R C
RC
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D002051:Burkitt Lymphoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D002648:Child; D017977:Deltaretrovirus / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012192:Retroviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D014454:Uganda
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral