HTLV-I-ASSOCIATED MYELOPATHY - AN ENDEMIC DISEASE OF CANADIAN ABORIGINALS OF THE NORTHWEST PACIFIC COAST

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) is responsible for HTL V-I associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) an d for adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Both diseases have been w ell described in individuals living in Japan, West Indies, Seychelles Islands and Columbia where infection with HTLV-I is considered endemic and in persons whose descendants originated from these endemic areas. We report here 4 cases of HAM/TSP in 4 natives from 4 different triba l groups from British Columbia (B.C.). These are the first case report s of HTLV-I linked diseases found among North American Aboriginals. Po ssible routes of infection for HTLV-I infection included sexual transm ission, breast feeding, blood transfusions and IV drug use. The seropr evalence of HTLV-I in North American Native population is unknown and we suggest that it is endemic in this ethnic group.