Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
EVIDENCE FOR HTLV INFECTION IN TWO PATIENTS WITH AIDS
AIDS. The Epidemic of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections. Friedman-Kien AE, Laubenstein LJ, eds. New York, Masson, p. 127-133, 1984.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/85610697 Gelmann EP; Popovic M; Lomonico A; Richardson E; Sarin P; Gallo RC; Lab. of Tumor Cell Biology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20205
Abstract:
Two cases are reported in which a human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) was associated with the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is noted that HTLV is tropic for human T-cells and is endemic in the West Indies. Because HTLV is a retrovirus, evidence of cell infection is elusive. The HTLV has been identified in cultured lymphocytes and in fresh leukemic cells; also, some healthy persons have antibody to HTLV. Fifty-seven AIDS patients (pts) were studied for the presence of HTLV, of whom 2 were positive. Case 1 was a 32-yr-old black male homosexual who had fevers, wt loss, lymphadenopathy, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis. His OKT4:OKT8 lymphocyte ratio was 0.2. When his peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured, they could be shown to contain HTLV antigen (by Southern blot hybridization), reverse transcriptase activity, and type-C virus particles (by electron microscopy). In addition, circulating antibodies to HTLV core proteins were identified. One yr after presentation this subject developed a cerebral lymphoma. Case 2 was a 48-yr-old black male homosexual who presented with extensive perianal Herpes simplex lesions and 2 nodules of Kaposi's sarcoma. This subject's OKT4:OKT8 lymphocyte ratio was 0.1, and his fresh peripheral blood lymphocytes were positive for the HTLV genome on presentation but not 2 mo later. Finally, his serum was positive for antibody to whole disrupted HTLV on both occasions. Of 14 healthy homosexuals and 23 healthy hemophiliacs, none had detectable HTLV. The authors conclude that HTLV may be an etiologic factor in AIDS; that it may be difficult to detect because of its cytotoxicity; and that blacks may have a predisposition for HTLV expression. (29 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS/*MICROBIOLOGY Adult Case Report DNA, Viral/*ANALYSIS Human HTLV-BLV Viruses/*ANALYSIS Lymphocytes/*MICROBIOLOGY Male Middle Age Nucleic Acid Hybridization Retroviridae Infections/COMPLICATIONS Sarcoma, Kaposi's/COMPLICATIONS MEETING PAPER
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1985. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
