1. [Paraplegia associated with HTLV-1 virus].
- Author
-
Vernant JC and Roman GC
- Subjects
- Humans, Japan, Multiple Sclerosis etiology, Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic diagnosis, Paraplegia diagnosis, West Indies, HTLV-I Infections complications, Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic etiology, Paraplegia etiology
- Abstract
Human T-Cell Leukaemia Virus (HTLV) has been found to be endemic in the Caribbean Islands. So-called spastic paraplegia of unknown origin, described in Martinique (named tropical spastic paraplegia in other countries) was found to be associated with signs of HTLV-l infection in 1984-1985. This association has since been found in non-tropical countries, particularly in Japan where HTLV-l is endemic. Numerous questions about the physiopathology of the neurological involvement and the systemic symptoms and signs remain unanswered. The identification of the retrovirus and of the diseases is only beginning.
- Published
- 1989