EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HTLV-I INFECTION IN SPAIN

Background. The human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) has been im plicated in the genesis of tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP), adult T -cell lymphoma (ATL), and some cases of uveitis, subacute arthropathie s, chronic dermatitis and lymphocytic alveolitis. The virus is endemic in some areas of the Caribbean basin, Japan, subSaharan Africa, Centr al and South America, Middle East and Melanesia. Given that HTLV-I is transmitted through similar ways to HIV, screening in blood donors is recommended in some countries. Material and Methods. The clinical, epi demiological and virological characteristics of 27 patients with HTLV- I infection were identified in Spain up to September 1995. Results. Ei ghteen cases were Spanish natives and 9 were immigrants from endemic a reas. Fifteen were male and 12 were female. The majority (12/18; 66.7% ) of subjects born in Spain had resided in endemic areas or had had se xual partners from these regions. Four patients had TSP, three had ATL and one developed lymphomatous granulomatosis and T-cell lymphoma. Th e remaining HTLV-I subjects were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis . Four cases were identified from screening of blood donors. Conclusio n. HTLV-I is present in Spain, affecting natives and, less frequently, immigrants from endemic areas. Both neurological and lymphoproliferat ive diseases have been recognized in a quarter of patients.