HTLV-I PREVALENCE IN PATIENTS WITH LEUKEMIA/LYMPHOMA AND NORMAL POPULATION
Abstract
troduction. Human T Iymphotropic virus type I (HTL V-I) was itroduced in 1980. It is suggested that HTL V-I may have the etiologic role in adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and spastic paralysis. This lymphoproliferative malignancy occures in the high endemic areas for HTLV-I (such as Japan, Caribbean, South America, parts of Africa and Iran). The retrovirus is transmitted mainly by blood transfusion and body fluid (e.g. sexual contact, breast feeding).
Methods. This study was performed in Fars province (Shiraz). Blood samples of 100 leukemia/lymphomatic patients, 200 thalassemic patients and 500 blood donors (as control) were examined by ELISA method for detection of HTL V-I infection.
Results. Antibody to HTLV-I was not detected in any case of leukemia/lymphoma. Among the thalassemic patients with more than 10 times history of blood transfusion, six (3 percent) patients had antibody to HTLV-I and 7 patients were suspected to positive antibody.
Discussion. The prevalence of HTL V-I in Shiraz is low and the screening test is not necessary.
Methods. This study was performed in Fars province (Shiraz). Blood samples of 100 leukemia/lymphomatic patients, 200 thalassemic patients and 500 blood donors (as control) were examined by ELISA method for detection of HTL V-I infection.
Results. Antibody to HTLV-I was not detected in any case of leukemia/lymphoma. Among the thalassemic patients with more than 10 times history of blood transfusion, six (3 percent) patients had antibody to HTLV-I and 7 patients were suspected to positive antibody.
Discussion. The prevalence of HTL V-I in Shiraz is low and the screening test is not necessary.
Keywords
Human T Lymphocyte Virus, Leukemia, Thalassemia, Shiraz, Prevalence