Hospital admissions for human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) associated diseases in Dominica.
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus that is endemic in certain regions of the world, and may account for significant morbidity and mortality among hospitalised patients. Sixty six HTLV-1 seropositive patients admitted to hospital with HTLV-1 associated diseases from 1995-99 were studied. HTLV-1 screening was done with ELISA and confirmed on western blot testing. There were 32 females (48.5%) and 34 males (51.5%). The mean age was 56 years and the age range was 9-89 years. The main associated diseases were tropical spastic paraparesis or HTLV-1 associated myelopathy in 18.2% of cases, acute form of adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma 7.6%, lymphomas 15.2%, and ectoparasites/endoparasites in 40.9%. HTLV-1 is associated with diseases in Dominica and association with severe forms of strongyloidiasis and scabies is particularly noted.
Adedayo
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O
Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital and Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica. oadedayo@hotmail.com
Grell
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Bellot
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D019424:Dominica / Q000453:epidemiology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015459:Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged