HTLV-1 sequences in lymphocytes of a patient with non-tropical spastic tetraparesis and her asymptomatic husband

New Microbiol. 1993 Jan;16(1):11-7.

Abstract

We describe a 65-year-old woman born and living in Northern Italy affected by non tropical spastic tetraparesis and her asymptomatic husband presenting HTLV-1 sequences in their lymphocytes detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We discuss the significance of the case and the mechanism involved in HTLV-1 infection and the relationship with neurological disorders, stressing that this case is the first reported in Italy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Southern
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA Probes
  • DNA, Viral / blood
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Genes, env
  • Genes, pX
  • Genes, pol
  • HTLV-I Antibodies / blood
  • HTLV-I Antigens / blood
  • HTLV-I Infections / diagnosis
  • HTLV-I Infections / microbiology*
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / genetics
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / immunology
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paralysis / diagnosis
  • Paralysis / microbiology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • DNA Probes
  • DNA, Viral
  • HTLV-I Antibodies
  • HTLV-I Antigens