Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type-I (HTLV-I) retrovirus and human disease.
Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type-I (HTLV-I) was the first pathogenic retrovirus identified in humans. HTLV-I is now linked to a number of clinical diseases, most notably adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and the syndrome known as HTLV-associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). For the emergency physician practicing among patients from high-risk groups, HTLV-I infection and its associated diseases are presenting an increasing challenge. This report describes its transmission, seroprevalence, associated diseases, and methods to control the spread of this retrovirus.
Bentrem
D J
DJ
Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908.
McGovern
E E
EE
Hammarskjöld
M L
ML
Edlich
R F
RF
D003376:Counseling; D015490:HTLV-I Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D015491:HTLV-II Infections; D015368:Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D015493:Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic