[HTLV-I-associated myelopathy, tropical spastic paraparesis: report of the first cases in Sergipe, Brazil].
HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) has been described in practically all regions of Brazil. The authors present eight clinically defined cases of HAM/TSP, as being the first reported in Sergipe (Northeastern Brazil). All of them were confirmed through ELISA in two examinations, although only two were confirmed by Western Blot. According to clinical/laboratorial investigation protocol, all patients presented involvement of the pyramidal tract with minimal sensory loss and sphincter alteration. The authors call the attention for the endemicity of HTLV-I in the region, whose prevalence amongst blood donors is significant (0.43%).
Hospital Universitário, Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFSE), Brasil.
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Oliveira
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de Melo
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015493:Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies