Infection with human T-cell leukemia virus type I in patients with leukemia

N Engl J Med. 1988 Jan 28;318(4):219-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJM198801283180405.

Abstract

Among 211 adults with leukemia who received multiple transfusions, 6 were found to be seropositive for human T-cell leukemia virus Type I (HTLV-I). Before the positive serum specimens were obtained, these patients received a mean of 14 units of red cells and 78 units of platelets. Seroconversion could be documented in three patients. None of the 6 patients seropositive for HTLV-I had a T-cell leukemia, other illnesses attributable to HTLV-I infection, or risk factors for HTLV-I infection other than transfusion: none were seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus. Patients with leukemia who receive multiple transfusions appear to be at risk for HTLV-I infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • Deltaretrovirus Antibodies
  • Deltaretrovirus Infections / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukemia / complications*
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Transfusion Reaction*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Deltaretrovirus Antibodies